The status of free agent wing Malik Beasley is somewhat murky at the moment, writes Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link).
While Beasley’s lawyers told ESPN their client is no longer the “target” of a federal gambling probe, a subsequent report said he was still a “subject” and could still face legal challenges. Beasley is also expected to be investigated by the NBA, Fischer reports.
According to Fischer, the Cavaliers, Knicks, Timberwolves and Pistons are the main teams to touch base with Beasley’s camp in the hope that he’ll eventually be able to play in 2025/26. However, Fischer hears none of those teams have actually discussed signing Beasley with his future seemingly still up in the air.
If Beasley is ultimately cleared of any legal wrongdoing and by the NBA, the 28-year-old will be seeking more than the veteran’s minimum on his next contract, sources tell Fischer. It’s worth noting that of the four suitors, Detroit — his incumbent team — can offer Beasley the highest starting salary ($7.2MM). Cleveland and New York would be limited to minimum-salary deals, while Minnesota could offer a little above the minimum.
Here are a few more rumors from Fischer’s latest story:
- Jonathan Kuminga‘s uncertain contract status has had a ripple effect on several free agents still on the market, Fischer notes, including Malcolm Brogdon. Fischer says the Warriors are expected to sign Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II and No. 56 overall pick Will Richard once Kuminga’s situation is resolved and have expressed a level of interest in Brogdon as well. The Knicks and Timberwolves have also been keeping an eye on Brogdon, Fischer adds.
- While Fischer’s breakdown of prospective Warriors signees includes Richard, he doesn’t mention No. 52 overall pick Alex Toohey at all. That could point to the Australian wing ending up on a two-way contract or as a draft-and-stash prospect rather than being a candidate for the 15-man roster.
- Fischer hears that the Timberwolves are “actively trying to work through the financial details” in a new contract for Bones Hyland. That suggests Hyland, who is no longer eligible for a two-way deal, may receive a non-guaranteed or partially guaranteed contract.
- The Heat are still trying to trade Terry Rozier but there’s “scant” interest in the veteran guard, who is also being investigated as part of a federal gambling probe. Miami is also believed to be interested in a buyout, Fischer reports, though nothing is imminent on that front.
- Fischer expects new Nets forward Haywood Highsmith to be back on the trade block at some point. Brooklyn has “no plans” to be competitive in 2025/26 and will continue to look to stockpile assets in trades, Fischer adds. The Nets recently acquired Highsmith, who is recovering from knee surgery, from Miami along with a second-round pick. Assuming he’s back to full health, Highsmith should have a chance to rebuild his trade value, and his expiring $5.6MM contract would fit into a team’s mid-level exception.
The taxpayer MLE clause regarding Haywood is not meaningful because using even that portion in a trade triggers a 1st apron hard cap.
Terry would only be interested in a buyout if he was worried about a lengthy suspension and wanted to lock in what he could. If it’s a temporary suspension, Miami doesn’t receive the tax saving until the end of the regular season.
If Richard gets a rookie contract and Horford gets the tax MLE, the Warriors may be able to stay under the first apron depending on what they take back in a potential S+T. Keeping Kuminga ensures they’ll be between the first and second apron.
I’m hoping the Knicks get Brogdon. However, it’s obvious he doesn’t want New York. The same can be said about Westbrook, too. Looks like Shamet or possibly Burks. You can book it!!!
Oct 1st will be a big day. Kuminga takes the QO and the warriors start signing players. 3 other teams are looking at Oct 1st being a big day too. Then a bunch of singing will happen. This site might need extra sport writers on Oct. 1st.
Why aren’t TWolves signing Brogdon. They can offer more than minimum. He’s the PG they need. Just too easy ……. smh.
I think Bones might work out for them as well. Everyone is concerned about Brogdon’s being injury-prone, that’s the main reason he’s still available (only 63 games played in the last 2 seasons).
Injuries + questions how good he is at this point.
And Minnesota paid a steep price for Dillingham, they have to have plans for him.
Brogdon steps all over Dilly. A lot of moving parts, but I’d bet Bones, Brogdon, or Beasley ends up taking Sota’s last spot. Although probably not a hot take. Brogdon can play 1 or 2. Bones is deep insurance. Beasley is the best shooter and moves Ant to PG with DDV on the roster.
I kinda think the team will eventually offer Kuminga a 3 year with a team option. Say 19/23/26M option. Thats a tradable contract where if a team really wants him they get some team control, otherwise he can be expiring next year.
It also helps since if a team acquires him and likes him they can decline the option and then extend him a year earlier before his price goes up if he pops.
Makes sense, but why so low in year 1?
He gets the 2/42M 1 -1 fully guaranteed instead of the 2/45M. If they do a little less, it just gives them some breathing room to fill out the roster, and still be able to waive a player with a long injury on a one year, if that happens, and just sign another vet min.
Eh wrong edit the 1 -1 is the 2/45M
Chap, a WAG: while I believe the lower dollars you mention could work, the *team option* in year 3 would be a deal-breaker in that case.
If you believe Anthony Slater’s report of last week, JK’s camp said:
“Ok, if you want JK to sign for less than market value, then you must show your commitment to his success by giving him a 3rd year *player* option. If not, we know you’re not committed to making him a success over the next 2 years and intend to use him as a ‘pawn’.”
It’s as simple as that for the Kuminga camp. Either GSW shows they’re committed with a *player* option for year 3, or JK will sign the QO so he can choose his next team.
Simons for Rozier