RealGM Basketball Wiretap

15 September 2025

• NBA Investigation Into Malik Beasley Gambling Allegations Near Conclusion

  The NBA is conducting an investigation into gambling allegations against free agent guard Malik Beasley, league sources confirmed to ESPN. The probe centers on improper gambling on NBA games and prop bets during the 2023-24 season when Beasley played for Milwaukee.

  Beasley was previously linked to a federal gambling investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York. His attorney Steve Haney confirmed Beasley is cooperating with the NBA investigation.

  The federal probe has already resulted in four guilty pleas related to a gambling scheme involving former NBA player Jontay Porter. Beasley's attorney stated in August that his client was not a target and had not been charged in the federal case.

  The Detroit Pistons pulled a three-year, $42 million contract offer to Beasley after news of the federal investigation broke in June. Other teams have reportedly expressed interest in the wing despite the ongoing investigations.

  Beasley recently posted on Instagram that he would be making his decision soon. Sources indicate the league investigation is in its final stages.

  At least one U.S. sportsbook detected unusual betting patterns on Beasley's statistics beginning in January 2024. The most notable instance occurred before Milwaukee's game against Portland on January 31, 2024.

  Odds on Beasley recording fewer than 2.5 rebounds shifted dramatically from +120 to -250 due to heavy betting action on the under. Beasley finished with six rebounds, causing the suspicious bets to lose.

  "Fully cooperating," Haney told ESPN regarding his client's participation in the NBA investigation.

• RealGM Radio: Danny Cunningham, Haize On The Central Division

  The NBA's Central Division is one of the most competitive in the NBA. Wes Goldberg and guests Danny Cunningham and Haize dissect offseason moves, potential lineups, and bold predictions for the Cavaliers, Pacers, Bucks, Bulls and Pistons.

  From Tyrese Haliburton's season-ending Achilles injury and the Cavaliers battling their playoff demons, the guys break down every angle. They also discuss Giannis Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee, the Bulls' longview and why the Pistons could win 50 games.

  Time Stamps
  0:00 Intro: Central Division preview
  5:21 Debate on teams' offseason improvements
  10:39 Most intriguing offseason move: Lonzo Ball trade
  16:52 Myles Turner's impact on Bucks' future
  23:05 Josh Giddey contract situation with Bulls
  29:49 Predictions for Central Division standings
  35:56 Central teams making playoffs
  40:10 Players with changing perceptions next year
  46:51 Bold predictions for the division

  Subscribe to RealGM Radio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or via the RSS feed. Watch on YouTube.

• Malik Beasley Draws Interest From Cavaliers, Knicks, Timberwolves, Pistons

  Malik Beasley is no longer the target of a federal gambling investigation, prompting four NBA teams to express interest in the sharpshooter who shot 41.6% from three-point range last season. League sources indicate that the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons have contacted Beasley's representation regarding a potential signing. The Pistons were expected to re-sign Beasley to a three-year, $42 million deal before the investigation emerged.

  However, Front Office Sports' Alex Schiffer reported that Beasley still faces potential legal hurdles before returning to the league. The NBA is expected to conduct its own investigation into Beasley.

  None of the conversations have advanced to deal-making stages at this point. Teams continue monitoring Beasley's situation while awaiting clarity on his availability.

  Beasley will seek a contract above the veteran minimum once cleared to play, sources say. His strong three-point shooting performance last season on high volume should command such compensation if off-court obstacles are resolved.

  Beasley's availability has created late-summer intrigue in the free agent marketplace. Teams view his shooting ability as valuable despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his status.

  Beasley's situation remains fluid as multiple parties await resolution of any remaining legal matters and the league's internal review process.

• Trajan Langdon Says Pistons Are Being Patient With Young Core

  Detroit Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon recently sat down for a lengthy interview with The Athletic. While many topics were discussed, a consistent theme was that Langdon has no plans to rush things with the Pistons young core. Langdon is going to be patient, while prioritizing building around his younger players.

  "We want to see what those guys' ceilings are. It's continuing to put players with them that can continue to help them grow, develop and reach their potential," Langdon said. "That's one thing we try to be as cognizant as possible of, which is something at times that can be challenging. Of course, you want to continue to get better, but we're very aware of what the timing of that is. We want our guys to continue to develop and at least get close to their ceiling or potential. Then maybe at that point is when we realize, OK, what is the proper player fit for these guys when it's time to really go?"

  Despite the Pistons making the playoffs, Langdon said they still don't know exactly how all of the young players fit together. The Detroit front office head is still evaluating the roster and what they need long-term.

  "I don't think we truly understand who our players can be at this point," Langdon said. "I just think it's too early for us to truly understand what the best way to press the proverbial gas pedal is right now. So, we're gonna try to be patient with that and let our young guys continue to develop."

• Pistons, Wolves Have 'Recently' Contacted Malik Beasley

  The Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves have recently reached out to Malik Beasley, sources told Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

  The Knicks and Cavs have also previously been in contact with Beasley. The Cavs announced on Tuesday that Max Strus will miss the next 3-4 months after undergoing surgery on his left foot.

  It was reported last week that Beasley is no longer the target of a federal gambling investigation.

  The Pistons can offer Beasley a deal worth up to $7.2 million for next season.

  Beasley averaged 16.3 points off the bench for the Pistons last year.

• Malik Beasley No Longer Under Federal Gambling Investigation

  Free agent shooting guard Malik Beasley is no longer the target of a federal gambling investigation. Beasley had been being investigated for his involvement in gambling on NBA games and prop bets during the 2023-24 season.

  This potentially reopens free agency for Beasley, who finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting for last season. The nine-year veteran averaged 16.3 points off the bench for the Detroit Pistons in 2024-25. Beasley shot 41.6% on 9.3 three-point attempts per game as well.

  Detroit still holds Beasley's free agent rights. The Pistons can offer him a contract up to $7.2 million for the upcoming season. As he is an unrestricted free agent, Beasley is free to sign with any team. He played for Detroit on a one-year, $6 million contract last season.

  According to Jake Fischer, the New York Knicks are at team with potential interest in Beasley.

• Nine Teams Could Have Significant Cap Space During 2026 NBA Offseason

  There are nine teams who project to have significant cap space during the 2026 offseason. Cap space will be more readily available next offseason than it was in 2025 after a 10 percent increase in the cap for this season and a projected seven percent increase for 2026-27, combined with fewer veteran extensions this year.

  The Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards.

  There were only three teams with salary cap space in 2025 in the Nets, Memphis Grizzlies and Milwaukee Bucks. The Nets used their cap space to take on Michael Porter Jr. via trade, while the Grizzlies used theirs to sign a renegotiate-and-extend contract with Jaren Jackson Jr. The Bucks unexpectedly created cap space by using the stretch-and-waive on Damian Lillard to sign Myles Turner.

  From 2013-14 to 2019-20, the league went through a period with an average of 17 teams per year with cap space. Since then, the average has decreased to 5.1 teams.

  The 2026 free agent class is expected to include Trae Young and LeBron James.

• NBC To Broadcast Four Games On MLK Day

  The NBA's new broadcast partner NBC will be taking over the national games for Martin Luther King Day. MLK Day will feature four national games between NBC and Peacock this season on Monday, January 19.

  The action will kick off with the Milwaukee Bucks at the Atlanta Hawks at 1:00 PM ET on Peacock. NBC will then pick up with a triple-header of games.

  The Oklahoma City Thunder will travel to play the Cleveland Cavaliers at 2:30 PM ET. The Dallas Mavericks will play at the New York Knicks at 5:00 PM ET. And the day will round out with the Boston Celtics at the Detroit Pistons at 8:00 PM ET.

  NBC will stream up to three games on Monday nights this season. Those games will be exclusively available on Peacock. The first set will be a double-header on Monday, October 27 and will feature the Cavaliers at the Pistons at 7:00 PM ET, followed by the Denver Nuggets at the Minnesota Timberwolves at 9:30 PM ET.

• Javonte Green, Pistons Finalizing One-Year Deal

  The Detroit Pistons and free agent wing Javonte Green are finalizing a one-year deal. Green played for the New Orleans Pelicans and Cleveland Cavaliers last season.

  In 68 total game last season, Green averaged 5.1 points and 3.2 rebounds. The 6-foot-5 guard/forward has also played for the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls during his six-year NBA career.

  Signing Green will bring the Pistons to 14 players on standard contracts for the upcoming season. Detroit has one open roster spot for the regular season and is over $20 million under the luxury tax.

• NBA Expected To Announce Full Schedule Next Week

  The NBA is expected to release the full schedule for the 2025-26 season at some point next week. International games have already been announced by the league, while Opening Night and Christmas Day schedules have also leaked.

  The NBA announced that the Detroit Pistons and Dallas Mavericks would play in the Mexico City game on November 1. The Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies will meet in this season's European games on January 15 in Berlin and January 18 in London.

  Opening Night will reportedly feature the Houston Rockets at the Oklahoma City Thunder, on the latter's banner and ring night. The Golden State Warriors will play at the Los Angeles Lakers to close out opening night.

  Christmas Day will again feature a quintuple header. The schedule will feature the Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs at Thunder, Rockets at Lakers, Mavericks at Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets.