The NBA is conducting an investigation into gambling allegations against free agent guard Malik Beasley, league sources confirmed to ESPN. The probe centers on improper gambling on NBA games and prop bets during the 2023-24 season when Beasley played for Milwaukee.
Beasley was previously linked to a federal gambling investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York. His attorney Steve Haney confirmed Beasley is cooperating with the NBA investigation.
The federal probe has already resulted in four guilty pleas related to a gambling scheme involving former NBA player Jontay Porter. Beasley's attorney stated in August that his client was not a target and had not been charged in the federal case.
The Detroit Pistons pulled a three-year, $42 million contract offer to Beasley after news of the federal investigation broke in June. Other teams have reportedly expressed interest in the wing despite the ongoing investigations.
Beasley recently posted on Instagram that he would be making his decision soon. Sources indicate the league investigation is in its final stages.
At least one U.S. sportsbook detected unusual betting patterns on Beasley's statistics beginning in January 2024. The most notable instance occurred before Milwaukee's game against Portland on January 31, 2024.
Odds on Beasley recording fewer than 2.5 rebounds shifted dramatically from +120 to -250 due to heavy betting action on the under. Beasley finished with six rebounds, causing the suspicious bets to lose.
"Fully cooperating," Haney told ESPN regarding his client's participation in the NBA investigation.
