Despite hitting treasure in the summer, the New York Knicks have another conundrum. Since being under investigation for illegal gambling allegations, Malik Beasley couldn’t cash in after his breathtaking campaign with the Detroit Pistons. But a lot has changed for the sharpshooter. FBI has dropped its investigation, but the league still lurks. Yet, Beasley is feeling good.

The former Pistons guard is itching to hoop again. And his latest claim exudes confidence. “The NBA is doing their own investigation now, FBI is cleared. Any day now, either way I’m going to be playing this year,” he said on Snapchat. And the Knicks were among the favorites to land the sharpshooter. And that’s from before Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s interest in the Knicks. That’s another major decision for the Knicks front office to make.

But in Beasley’s case, it complicates the future of certain stars. Notably, Pacome Dadiet is on the trade block as the Knicks want both Landry Shamet and Malcolm Brogdon on their roster. With Beasley on the market, the Knicks will have to trade their former first-round pick and choose to cut either Shamet or Brogdon. It’s a lot of hassle, but the Knicks have tried to make moves for Beasley in the past.

They tried to sign him in 2020, when he impressed with the Timberwolves. Knicks executive Gerrson Rosas, who worked for the Timberwolves back then, re-signed the guard on a $60 million deal. The Knicks also tried a trade in 2023. And now, they have a clean shot to land their long-sought-after target. However, there are some complications.

Malik Beasley had a phenomenal season with the Pistons, ranking second for Sixth Man of the Year. Likewise, he reportedly wants a deal more than the veteran minimum. The Knicks, hard-capped at the second apron, can’t offer more than that. So the only way for them to get the sharpshooter is if he is willing to take a major pay cut.

Given the NBA’s investigations haven’t concluded yet, it’s possible for Beasley to sign an affordable one-year deal. But the Knicks will have to captivate him with vision.

The Knicks’ roadblocks to signing Malik Beasley

Financially, there are several teams that can outbid the New York Knicks. Some teams have the cap space to provide the coveted free agent with a sweet deal. Furthermore, the Pistons aren’t out of the equation either. Before the investigations, they had a three-year contract on the table for their ravaging perimeter threat.

Since then, the team’s acquisitions of Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert block them from offering Beasley a similar contract. But they still hold his non-Bird rights, which allow them to sign him for a $7.2 million salary for the 2025-26 season. Considering the success he found with the resurgent Pistons, he could very well opt to sign another one-year deal.

On the other hand, the Knicks also have their hands full. Reports claim Mike Brown wants both Shamet and Brogdon on his roster. While Malik Beasley helps with scoring, the Knicks require defensive contributors. Both Shamet and Brogdon fit better into that profile than the 28-year-old. The situation could still develop further.

In essence, until the NBA concludes its investigation, no team will try to poach Beasley. It carries a major risk in the event the league determines he can’t participate this season. Until that clears up, rumors will continue to float. Where do you think Beasley will move next? Let us know your views in the comments below.