The New York Knicks have another conundrum despite hitting treasure in the summer. Since being investigated 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 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.

Notably, the New York Knicks reportedly held exploratory meetings with the Milwaukee Bucks over a potential trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, following Shams Charania’s post-playoff report that the two-time MVP was, for the first time, open to exploring opportunities outside Milwaukee.

Charania later added that Giannis had personally approved the Knicks as a preferred destination- the only team outside of Milwaukee on his list. According to sources, Bucks GM Jon Horst met face-to-face with Antetokounmpo’s representatives in August 2025 to discuss the matter.

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While the conversations were described as serious, they ultimately did not materialize into a deal, with the Bucks opting to keep their franchise cornerstone for at least another season.

Charania also indicated that this trade window could evolve into a one-year timeline- hinting that Giannis’s long-term future in Milwaukee remains uncertain as his 2026 contract extension eligibility approaches. For his part, Giannis has maintained that his focus is solely on winning with the Bucks but acknowledged that his outlook could shift depending on how the season unfolds.

Bringing both players to New York in the foreseeable future would be a dream scenario for the Knicks faithful- especially given the chemistry they shared during their brief time together from the 2023-24 season.

Moreover, the Knicks tried to sign Beasley 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 more than the veteran minimum deal. 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 significant pay cut.

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

The Knicks’ roadblocks to signing Malik Beasley

Financially, several teams 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 for their ravaging perimeter threat.

Since then, the team’s acquisitions of Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert have blocked 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 his success with the resurgent Pistons, he could sign another one-year deal well.

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.

Until the NBA concludes its investigation, no team will try to poach Beasley. It carries a significant risk if 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.