The Knicks beforehand reached out to Malik Beasley's camp and are considered as a “potential” possibility by the 3-point marksman after he's reportedly not being focused by the FBI in a playing probe, a league supply says.
Beasley, maybe the highest unrestricted free agent available on the market, ought to have extra profitable choices than the Knicks, who solely have the veteran's minimal to spend.
It makes them an extended shot contemplating a number of groups — together with the Pistons, Nets, Pacers and Kings, amongst others — can supply significantly more cash.
However Beasley does include baggage, or potential pink flags.
He was a part of a federal investigation allegedly involving NBA video games and prop bets.
Because of this, Beasley's three-year, $42 million deal — negotiated this offseason to return to the Pistons — was faraway from the desk.
This week, Beasley's attorneys mentioned conversations with investigators decided their shopper was not a goal.
However the probe additionally unearthed unflattering media tales about Beasley allegedly incurring a number of money owed, together with a $5.8 million judgment ordered towards the taking pictures guard from a lawsuit filed by a lender.
Beasley was additionally sued by his former agent for breach of contract.
“Months after this investigation commenced, Malik stays uncharged and isn't the goal of this investigation,” Beasley's legal professional, Steve Haney, instructed reporters Friday. “An allegation with no cost, indictment or conviction ought to by no means have the catastrophic consequence this has precipitated Malik. This has actually been the alternative of the presumption of innocence.”
Beasley, the runner-up for Sixth Man of the Yr, averaged over 16 factors for the Pistons final season whereas ending second within the NBA in whole 3-pointers.
The 28-year-old, a teammate of Karl-Anthony Cities for 3 seasons in Minnesota, shot 41.6 p.c from deep as a ground spacer for Detroit's Cade Cunningham.
He performed a outstanding function within the Pistons' first-round collection towards the Knicks, pushing himself as a villain in MSG earlier than his squad fell in six video games.
The Knicks don't have any cap area and used their midlevel exception to signal energy ahead Guerschon Yabusele.
Barring a commerce, they've room to signal one veteran and one rookie to straightforward contracts.
They will additionally fill as much as three two-way contracts.
Per sources, the Knicks expressed curiosity in free brokers Landry Shamet, Malcolm Brogdon and Ben Simmons, although we've heard conflicting details about whether or not it was real for Simmons.
