Malik Beasley Free Agency Fits: Cavaliers, Pistons Among Best Landing Spots

Coming off a career-best season where he scored 16 PPG and shot over 41% from three, shooting guard Malik Beasley was in for a huge payday.

Then, Beasley was accused of rigging basketball games and allegedly had debt issues that stemmed from what seemed to be a gambling addiction.

Beasley has not yet been fully cleared from his investigation, but the trend suggests he may be able to play this upcoming season. With this investigation still hanging over him, a contender could sign the sharpshooter to a very team-friendly deal.

So far, four teams have been in contact with Beasley’s representation: the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Pistons seem to make the most sense, as he already excelled in J.B. Bickerstaff’s offense last year, and even with the signing of Duncan Robinson, Detroit is still in desperate need of adding shooters around Cade Cunningham. The Pistons have more than enough cap room to sign Beasley, so it seems like they would be the favorites to keep him in town.

Staying in the Central Division, the Cavs would be the best fit for Beasley of all the other teams he could sign with in free agency. Cleveland still has an open roster spot, and they’re already deep into the second apron, so owner Dan Gilbert will be paying a prohibitive luxury tax unless a big contract is flipped this season.

If you genuinely believe in this core, adding an elite shooter, especially with the injury to Max Strus, which will sideline him for at least a month, is precisely the last piece this roster needs.

New York would be an unusual landing spot for Beasley. He would likely take the Knicks over the second apron unless he signs a veteran minimum contract, which he is opposed to doing. Unless the Knicks want to move Josh Hart’s $20 million contract, I’m not sure they would really be able to add a guy like Beasley.

Lastly, Minnesota is still approximately $8 million under the first apron, and a reunion with Beasley makes sense. Donte DiVincenzo was a bit underwhelming as the team’s main floor spacer, so it still feels like the Timberwolves need to add another shooter if they’re going to contend in a loaded Western Conference.

Beasley is most likely to end up somewhere in the Central Division, with either Cleveland or Detroit. I’m just not sure the money makes sense for any other team, especially with a looming investigation.