Malik Beasley moved back into his Detroit apartment, which furthered speculation that he might be returning to the Pistons next season.
The Detroit News reported that Beasley had paid his delinquent rent (according to his attorney) and moved back into his Detroit apartment. Beasley's lawyer also hinted at a possible reunion, saying:
“Malik loves Detroit, has family in the city and does not want to close the door on a possible reunion," Haney wrote in a text message. "He was a great Piston and he loves the city of Detroit.”
This drama has had plenty of twists this summer since it was first reported that Beasley was under federal investigation for gambling.
It was then reported he was cleared, which wasn’t completely true and led to speculation (by me) that the league was underplaying this through its friends at ESPN. That’s all just conjecture on my part, but the fact remains that Beasley is still the “subject” of an investigation.
That hasn’t stopped teams from checking in, and when you look at the other suitors involved, a return to Detroit makes sense for both Beasley and the Pistons.
Malik Beasley: Moving back to Detroit, possibly for good
Ok, so Beasley moving back into his Detroit apartment and talking (though his lawyer) about how much he loves Detroit does not necessarily mean he’s there to stay, but if Beasley is to return to the NBA next season, the Pistons might have a better shot at him than anyone.
Beasley reportedly wants more than the veteran’s minimum (who doesn’t?) and of the teams that are reportedly pursuing him (Minnesota, Cleveland, New York, Detroit), the Pistons can offer the most money, with $7.2 million available to lure Beasley.
There are other teams out there that could offer more, but so far, there have only been a handful of teams that have shown reported interest and all of them fall into the “playoff teams with no money to spend” category.
Financially, it would make sense for Beasley to choose Detroit unless some team not mentioned offers him more than he can pass up.
As for the Pistons, it would be worth $7.2 million to add Beasley to the roster, warts and all, as they still lack shooting and he could again be a super value contract as he was last season when he made $6 million and was second in the league in 3-point makes.
All signs are pointing towards a reunion, but the Pistons are going to be patient and likely won’t commit until they are assured that Beasley has been entirely cleared.