Detroit Pistons fans can officially close the book on the Malik Beasley era in Motor City as the last bit of hope that the two sides could still come to a deal was squashed on Tuesday.
Once allegations concerning gambling were raised, and Beasley's name was included, the writing was on the wall and the moves made by Trajan Langdon and the front office backed up the idea that Beasley's time in Detroit was through.
Now, there are no doubts that Beasley is done with the Pistons as the franchise has officially given his No. 5 jersey away to one of the former Florida State Seminoles standout's former teammates.
Pistons Officially End Pursuit of Malik Beasley by Giving Away No. 5
Detroit's lottery pick from 2024, Ron Holland II, is officially switching from No. 00 to the No. 5 that Beasley donned during the 2024-25 campaign. If there was any inkling from the Pistons' brain trust that the possibility of Beasley returning was even possible, they would not have allowed for this switch to happen.
Ron Holland II (@ron2kholland) is switching from No. 00 to No. 5 for the #Pistons. Number last worn by Malik Beasley in 2025. #NBA pic.twitter.com/JrKL3L9V3U
— Etienne Catalan (@EtienneCatalan) July 8, 2025
During a session with the media on Tuesday, Langdon addressed the situation involving Beasley and shared how the news forced them to pivot to different plans, as the intention had been to retain the sharpshooting guard once free agency opened.
"I was able to communicate with Malik and his agent Saturday, which was obviously right before we could start talking to free agents on Sunday. It was disappointing for us, because we were excited to get him back," Langdon said, according to Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press.
With Beasley's immediate future in the NBA anything but certain until the investigation runs its course, Detroit was forced to make a tough decision but, in the end, they did what they felt was best for the franchise to put together the best roster possible.
It is anyone's guess what will happen with Beasley moving forward, but the one thing we do know is that the Pistons are not waiting around for a resolution.