The Detroit Pistons were prepared to sign Malik Beasley to a three-year, $42 million deal in free agency, but that was before ESPN reported that the U.S. District Attorney's Office was investigating him for gambling allegations on NBA games and prop bets. Beasley is no longer the target of a federal investigation, but he hasn't signed with a team, either.
On Sunday, the Nets waived former first-round pick Kobe Bufkin. Several Pistons fans have called for Detroit to sign Bufkin since it was reported a few days ago that Jaden Ivey will miss at least four weeks after undergoing knee surgery. The issue is... Beasley.
On the "Game Theory Podcast w/ Sam Vecenie," Vecenie and co-host Bryce Simon discussed Detroit signing Bufkin to a non-guaranteed deal. Vecenie said that would be a "home run" for the Pistons, but Simon had a slightly different response. Part of what Simons said included:
"I like the non-guaranteed portion of that equation. My first initial thought was Detroit could use this with the Jaden Ivey injury, and them trying to figure out who's going to play as backup guards. So, sure, but I still want flexibility for that 15th roster spot were there to be something shake out with a very specific player who had a historic three-point shooting season last year."
Pistons are still waiting to see how Beasley situation shakes out
The NBA is conducting their own investigation into Beasley, which is what Detroit is waiting for. A little over a week ago, Beasley said on Snapchat that a resolution from the league should come "any day now." He said that he will be playing this year, but once again, nothing is official.
Beasley averaged 16.3 points on 43% shooting from the field and 41.6% shooting from three in 82 games (18 starts) for the Pistons last season. His first season in Detroit couldn't have gone better than it did. The Pistons wanted him back, and Beasley thought he'd be back, but that changed with the investigation.
He could still return to Detroit, as, clearly, the Pistons still want him, but depending on how his situation plays out, they could be left waiting while Bufkin signs elsewhere. There is no question as to who Detroit prefers between Beasley or Bufkin, but there also is no guarantee that Beasley will be cleared soon.
The Pistons added shooting to the roster this offseason with Duncan Robinson, but they need more than that, especially with Ivey sidelined. Beasley's future is uncertain, and Tim Hardaway Jr. signed with the Nuggets in free agency. Bufkin is an unproven player at 22 years old, but signing him to a non-guaranteed deal, or giving him a two-way spot, wouldn't hurt, given the team's current situation.
All Detroit fans can hope for is that Beasley's situation will be cleared up soon, and that it will pave the way for him to re-sign with the Pistons.