With Malik Beasley being cleared of a federal gambling probe, the floodgate of suitors for his services will soon open. The Detroit Pistons were all set to re-sign him to a 3-year/$42 million contract before news of the probe broke out, but they don’t have the same cap space anymore. However, they do still hold key advantages over other teams looking to sign Beasley.
Per ESPN, the most that the Pistons can offer Beasley is now $7.2 million. That’s about half of his average annual salary from his previously reported negotiation. ESPN also reported that several other teams can offer Beasley more than the Pistons’ maximum amount: the Bulls, Pacers, Pelicans, Kings, Wizards and Nets.
Malik Beasley and the Pistons: A Homecoming Waiting to Happen
A lot of Beasley’s financial dirty laundry has been aired in the saga of his gambling probe, which may lead some to believe that contract value will be the most important thing for Beasley. But Beasley did seem intent on coming back to “destroy” the league and I’m not sure putting up minutes on a lottery team would qualify.
Compared to the other teams mentioned, the Pistons offer the advantage of competitiveness. Beasley has thrived in his career on better teams, like the Pistons last year and the Bucks the season before. It may be something about his spot-up playstyle which meshes well with elite playmakers, or perhaps he just steps up when the pressure is higher.
Beasley also clearly enjoyed playing on the Pistons very much last season. He was at the forefront of celebrating every Pistons' success and a leader in turning around the team culture. There were even reports that he specifically asked Trajan Langdon not to trade him at the deadline.
Beyond the court, Beasley seems to have an affinity for the city of Detroit too. In April, The Players’ Tribune published a letter he wrote to the city and people of Detroit. He speaks highly of the community and mentions his deep roots to the city, going back to his childhood summers.
The Pistons have kept a roster spot open throughout the offseason, and rumors circulated that they were holding out for exactly this scenario. If it’s true that they had Beasley in mind for that slot this whole time, he may appreciate the loyalty from the team. Maybe even enough to take a paycut and remain in Detroit.