Malik Beasley has been cleared of a federal gambling investigation. The New York Knicks are now believed to be a potential suitor for his services.
Unfortunately for Beasley, the free agency market has all but dried up, meaning he’s now unable to capitalize on his impressive season for the Detroit Pistons.
As such, a team is expected to get lucky and sign Beasley for close to a minimum, likely on a one-year deal. According to Stefan Bondy, the Knicks are viewed as a potential landing spot for the elite sharpshooter.
“The Knicks touched base previously with Malik Beasley’s camp and are viewed as a potential option for the 3-point marksman, a league source says,” Bondy reported via X. “Beasley was recently cleared in a federal gambling investigation and is probably the top unrestricted free agent on the market. The Knicks, however, only have a vet minimum to offer.”
Beasley played in all 82 games for the Pistons last season. He averaged 16.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists. He shot 43% from the field and 41.6% from 3-point range. His sharpshooting would undoubtedly be a boost to the Knicks’ rotation. He could provide floor spacing off the bench, thus boosting the team’s chances of postseason success.
Knicks “Among Teams” Doing Background Work
According to Knicks Insider Ian Begley, the Knicks are among a group of teams to have done some background work regarding Beasley and his situation this summer.
“The Knicks are among the teams that have done background work on Malik Beasley’s situation, how likely/unlikely a suspension in 2025-26 was for the free agent,” Begley wrote on X. “ESPN reports that Beasley is no longer a target of a federal gambling investigation. NYK currently has vet min to offer free agents.”
The Knicks currently have enough roster space to acquire Beasley without needing to release anyone. However, their limited cap flexibility would mean that only a minimum contract would be on offer. Nevertheless, if Beasley is willing to bet on himself and wants a chance at contending for a championship, a move to New York would be logical.
Knicks Need to Shoot More Threes
Last season, the Knicks ranked 27th in the NBA for 3-point attempts per game, getting up 34.1 per night. However, they ranked 8th in terms of 3-point percentage, knocking down 36.9% of their total looks. Therefore, it makes sense that they should increase their volume from behind the arc.
Adding a sharpshooter like Beasley should help make that a reality. He averaged 9.3 attempts per game last season, and would instantly give Mike Brown a catch-and-shoot outlet, both in the half-court and in transition.
Brown will bring his own style of play to the Knicks rotation. Part of that will likely be embracing the 3-point line more frequently. This is especially important as Jalen Brunson needs space to work on the interior, particularly throughout the postseason.
New York has multiple capable shooters at its disposal. Still, none of them is the type of specialist that Beasley is. That’s why, if it’s possible to get him on a one-year deal, the front office should do everything in its power to make that happen.
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