The NBA offseason has hit its slower portion as the flurry of movement around the league has stopped. Everyone is resting since training camp doesn't begin until the end of September and early October.
The Detroit Pistons snapped their five-year playoff drought when they went 44-38 last season. After showing immense improvement, the offseason threw them for a loop, and guard Malik Beasley played a major role in that.
In late June, federal authorities decided they were investigating Beasley on allegations of gambling related to NBA games and prop bets. That threw a wrench into Detroit's plans, as they were in serious talks to offer him a three-year, $42 million contract.
The Pistons decided to pull the plug on that deal, and Beasley is still sitting on the open market. The free agent recently went on Snapchat and decided to send a message to everyone doubting him.
Beasley said, "People were saying some crazy things in the media, people judging me. I’ll tell you one thing: I have a chip on my shoulder. I’m ready to destroy anyone in front of me, I’m ready to prove again I belong in this league.”
Malik Beasley on Snapchat
— Pistons Talk (@Pistons__Talk) August 6, 2025
“People were saying some crazy things in the media, people judging me. I’ll tell you one thing I have a chip on my shoulder I’m ready to destroy anyone in front of me, I’m ready to prove again I belong in this league.” pic.twitter.com/qKBDFKKJW7
Former Pistons Guard Malik Beasley Sends Huge Message
It still isn't clear if Beasley will be suspended for the 2025-26 season, but his comments are making it seem that he has a chance to suit up.
While he won't get a deal close to the one that the Pistons were set to offer in June, he could find another chance elsewhere in the league if he's cleared.
In 82 games with Detroit, Beasley averaged 16.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. Meanwhile, his bread and butter is his knockdown jumper, as he shot 41.6% from downtown on 9.3 3-point attempts per game. He was ranked second in the NBA in 3-pointers made (319) last season.
Teams always want better shooting, so it makes sense why Beasley's playstyle would be interesting for teams in the league.
Despite his skill set, he's dealing with something that is very serious and could dramatically alter the course of his playing career. That should be the focus for him, but he wanted to let people speaking down on him know he would return to the floor with some vengeance.
Regardless of what he says, the Pistons seemed to have closed that chapter. They traded for Duncan Robinson and gave him a three-year, $48 million extension. The Pistons also snagged Chaz Lanier in the NBA draft, who shot 39.5% from beyond the arc last season at Tennessee.
They decided to pivot elsewhere for floor spacing, while Beasley wanted to send a message to some of his haters.