Despite already having an impressive offseason considering their lack of assets, the New York Knicks have just been gifted another top free agency target. NBA free agent Malik Beasley was expected to be one of the first big names signed early this summer.
However, just before the start of free agency, he was embroiled in a gambling controversy that kept him from re-signing with the Detroit Pistons. They have since moved on, replacing him via trades and signings, making his return unlikely.
Fortunately for him, and potentially fortunately for the Knicks, he doesn't appear to be under investigation any longer by prosecutors or by the NBA, according to Shams Charania, freeing teams up to potentially sign him.
Beasley's attorneys told ESPN that they had extensive conversations and meetings with the Eastern District of New York and were informed Beasley is not being considered the target after allegations regarding gambling on NBA games and prop bets during the 2023-24 season. https://t.co/4gTjas9XPa
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 22, 2025
With virtually all of the remaining free agency money already spent, he may be forced to take a one-year contract, possibly for the minimum. That would give him a chance to try and raise the stock in hopes of cashing in next summer and recouping the money he lost.
Better still for the Knicks, he may be more inclined to sign with a contender, considering Beasley would have more opportunity to raise his value with a deep playoff run.
The New York Knicks must chase Malik Beasley in free agency
The Knicks have done well to improve their depth this summer by adding Guerschon Yabusale and Jordan Clarkson without losing any key players. That might not seem like a huge deal, but the Knicks would often play eight or nine players, with former coach Tom Thibodeau not trusting his bench.
With a new coach, the Knicks look to be going in the opposite direction, focusing on building out their bench to keep from overrelying on their starters. That is a simple tweak that could pay off in a big way in the playoffs.
When they made the Eastern Conference semifinals in 2023-24, they were running on fumes and hobbled with injury after injury. Last season, they were overwhelmed at times by the Indiana Pacers' depth in the Eastern Conference Finals, increasing the need for a better bench.
Adding Beasley for cheap would give them more shooting and depth, possibly giving them yet another piece to contend with. The laughable state of the Eastern Conference next season with the Boston Celtics and Pacers missing their best players.
That means the Knicks have a chance to finish with the best record in the East and have a path back to the East Finals. If they can add Beasley for the minimum to boost their playoff hopes, then they shouldn't hesitate to scoop him up.