New York Knicks
Hall of Famer
REPORT: Knicks Monitoring Malik Beasley As He Clears Federal Investigation
Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...ng-malik-beasley-after-clearing-investigation
Former Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley’s name has been cleared from a federal gambling investigation, and the New York Knicks are among the teams considering the sharpshooter as a free-agent target to fill one of their final roster spots as Beasley resumes his free agency process.
Attorneys for Beasley told The Detroit News that the player is “no longer a target” of the probe conducted by the Eastern District of New York. The 28-year-old guard was never charged, but the mere association with a federal investigation reasonably put his free agency on hold and cost him a reported three-year, $42 million agreement with the Pistons.
“Months after this investigation commenced, Malik remains uncharged and is not the target of this investigation,” attorney Steve Haney said. “An allegation with no charge, indictment, or conviction should never have the catastrophic consequence this has caused Malik.”
SNY’s Ian Begley reported on Friday that the Knicks had previously done background work on Beasley’s situation in anticipation of this outcome, and they have ramped up their efforts now that the news is official.
Jake Fischer of The Stein Line confirmed Begley’s report that New York has maintained interest dating back to its playoff series against Detroit last season.
Beasley appeared in all 82 regular-season games for the Pistons last season, averaging 16.3 points and shooting 41.6 percent from three-point range on more than nine attempts per game. He finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting and trailed only Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards in total three-pointers made.
The Knicks, however, can only offer Beasley a veteran minimum contract worth $3.7 million because of cap restrictions. Other suitors, such as Detroit and the Indiana Pacers, could offer him much more lucrative options if they want to, although it’s unclear to what distance other franchises—including the Pistons—are willing to go given Beasley’s recent issues, even if he’s been cleared of any wrongdoing.
Adding Beasley would easily be considered another masterful move by the Knicks following the landing of Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, who, if I’m honest, I considered to be impossible/dream targets not long before they came to Manhattan for real.
Beasley would give the Knicks one of the most reliable high-volume shooters available and immediate bench scoring and a bona fide off-the-pine microwave. It’s an obvious long shot to even consider this a realistic scenario, but hey, at the end of the day, it will all depend on Beasley’s priorities and whether he opts for a shot at the title or if he simply wants to grab the biggest bag.
Beasley spoke earlier this month, claiming he’s ready to prove he still belongs after months away from the spotlight.
“People were saying some crazy things in the media… people judging me… I’ll tell you one thing. I got a chip on my shoulder. I’m ready to destroy anybody in front of me,” Beasley said in his Snapchat earlier this month. “I’m ready to prove again that I belong in this league.”
Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...ng-malik-beasley-after-clearing-investigation