Pistons Eye Reunion with Malik Beasley as Veteran Awaits Resolution of Federal Investigation

The Detroit Pistons have opened the 2025–26 NBA season on a strong note, winning six of their first eight games and extending their current winning streak to four. Building on last year’s breakthrough campaign, Detroit has emerged as one of the early surprises in the Eastern Conference. Yet, despite their early success, the team continues to search for solutions to its inconsistent three-point shooting — a problem that may soon bring a familiar face back into the fold.

Veteran guard Malik Beasley, who played a key role in Detroit’s resurgence last season, has reportedly expressed interest in returning to the team. According to NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, both the Pistons and Beasley are open to a potential reunion. The Cleveland Cavaliers are also believed to be monitoring the situation closely, particularly given their need for perimeter shooting while Max Strus recovers from foot surgery.

For Detroit, the potential addition of Beasley represents an opportunity to strengthen an area that remains a weakness despite the team’s strong start. The Pistons currently rank 18th in the league in three-point shooting, connecting on 34.7 percent of their attempts — a sharp decline from Beasley’s 41.6 percent mark last season.

Still, before either the Pistons or Cavaliers can move forward with any deal, Beasley must first gain clarity on his legal status. His involvement in an ongoing federal gambling investigation has stalled his NBA comeback and placed his future in a state of uncertainty.

1. Legal Uncertainty Clouds Beasley’s Return

While Beasley is no longer a target of the federal gambling investigation being conducted by the Eastern District of New York, he remains a “person of interest” in the FBI’s continuing probe into prop bets placed during the 2023–24 NBA season. The situation has left the 28-year-old guard in professional limbo — unable to sign with a new team until the investigation is resolved. The probe has already resulted in three arrests, including former NBA assistant Damon Jones, who worked unofficially with the Los Angeles Lakers during Beasley’s tenure with the team. Though Beasley has not been charged with any wrongdoing, the association has created an air of caution around his free agency prospects. For now, Beasley’s options remain limited. Teams interested in signing him — including Detroit and Cleveland — are reportedly waiting for further clarity from federal authorities before advancing discussions. This delay has also had a significant financial impact on Beasley, who was reportedly close to securing a three-year, $42 million contract before the investigation surfaced. Until the situation is resolved, Beasley can do little more than train privately and await the green light to resume his NBA career. His camp has remained optimistic that his name will soon be cleared, paving the way for a long-anticipated return to the court.

2. Detroit’s Need for Shooting Makes Reunion Logical

Should Beasley be cleared to return, Detroit would stand as one of the most logical landing spots. During his previous stint with the Pistons, the veteran guard proved instrumental in providing spacing and scoring for a young roster built around Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren. His ability to stretch defenses with his perimeter shooting opened up opportunities for Detroit’s emerging playmakers — a dynamic the team currently lacks. Beasley ranked second in the NBA in made three-pointers last season, converting at a career-best 41.6 percent clip. His consistency from beyond the arc gave the Pistons a reliable scoring outlet and helped elevate the team from a rebuilding project into a legitimate postseason contender. Detroit’s current offense, while improved, still shows signs of imbalance. The Pistons have been efficient inside the arc but inconsistent from distance, often struggling to capitalize on open looks. Adding Beasley back into the rotation could help stabilize that perimeter attack and alleviate pressure from the team’s younger guards. Head coach Monty Williams has emphasized the importance of roster balance and offensive spacing early in the season — both areas that Beasley’s skill set could address immediately upon his return. If the legal issues clear up, a reunion would make sense for both sides.

3. Overseas Opportunities Emerge as Alternative

As Beasley’s NBA future hangs in the balance, international clubs have begun expressing serious interest in acquiring his services. According to BasketNews insider Donatas Urbonas, teams in both China and Europe have extended offers to the sharpshooting guard, providing him with alternative options should his situation in the U.S. remain unresolved. The overseas interest reflects Beasley’s strong reputation as one of the premier shooters available on the market. A move abroad could offer both financial stability and a platform to re-establish his professional value while the investigation continues. For Beasley, however, the goal remains clear: a return to the NBA. He has stated publicly that he would re-sign with Detroit if given the opportunity, suggesting that both loyalty and unfinished business are guiding his next move. Whether that path leads back to the Pistons, another NBA team, or an international league will likely depend on how quickly federal investigators conclude their work. Until then, Beasley’s basketball journey remains paused — just as Detroit looks to build on its promising start.