The Detroit Pistons had an unfortunate offseason. While the fanbase was hoping for a big splash to upgrade the roster, the Pistons were hit with the news of a gambling investigation into Malik Beasley. So, they had to pivot from their plans of re-signing the veteran sharpshooter in free agency, leaving Beasley's future in the NBA in jeopardy.
In the eyes of many, the serious allegations suggested that Beasley would not be in the NBA in the immediate future. Recent reporting from a former teammate of Beasley, however, shed a different light on the situation.
Patrick Beverley, who spent time with Beasley with the Minnesota Timberwolves, revealed in the latest episode of his podcast that the former Pistons shooting guard "seems like he's going to be on a roster next season".
"He was in real good spirits. I was able to chop it up with him. His mouth, his demeanor—seems like he’s in a good place. He’s confident. He seems like he’s going to be on a roster next season. Hey, I’m telling you what he felt. I’m not telling you what the truth is."Pat Beverley on Malik Beasley
This is obviously the perspective of Beverley, who spent time with Beasley this summer. He hedged immediately by declaring that this is how he feels and not necessarily based on any knowledge of the situation. Yet, it's safe to assume that Pat Bev is being truthful in saying that Beasley is in good spirits, suggesting that there may be a way out of his predicament.
According to offseason reporting, the Pistons were prepared to give Beasley a three-year, $42 million deal. Even if Beasley gets cleared to play in the NBA, it will be near impossible for him to get anything close to that amount. At the bare minimum, the 28-year-old has cost himself tens of millions of dollars during this process. How much of that he will be able to recoup, if any, and whether we will see him in the NBA any time soon remains to be seen.