The Detroit Pistons have opened discussions with Malik Beasley’s representatives about a potential return to the franchise, according to NBA insider Evan Sidery.
Sidery reported on June 18 that there is mutual interest between the two sides in a one-year contract that would bring the veteran sharpshooter back to Detroit after a season away from the NBA while an investigation related to gambling allegations remains unresolved.
The development is notable given Beasley’s impact on Detroit’s rise to the top of the Eastern Conference in 2025-26. The Pistons finished 60-22, the best record in the conference, before reaching the second round of the playoffs.
During the 2024-25 campaign, Beasley appeared in all 82 games and averaged 16.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 27.8 minutes per game. His greatest contribution came from beyond the arc, where he connected on 41.6 percent of his 9.3 three-point attempts per contest.
That production resulted in a franchise-record 319 made three-pointers and helped Beasley finish second in Sixth Man of the Year voting. His ability to stretch defenses created additional driving lanes for Cunningham and gave Detroit one of the NBA’s most dangerous perimeter attacks.
Even before his Detroit breakout, Beasley had established himself as one of the league’s premier volume shooters. Across 578 NBA games, he owns career averages of 11.7 points while shooting 39.1 percent from three-point range. He has surpassed 40 percent from deep in three separate seasons, including a 41.3 percent mark with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023-24.
The Pistons maintained strong offensive balance during their 60-win season, receiving significant production from Cade Cunningham, who averaged 23.9 points and 9.9 assists, and Jalen Duren, who posted 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 65.0 percent from the field. Detroit also received elite floor spacing from Duncan Robinson, who made 41.0 percent of his three-pointers.
Beasley has remained active during his NBA absence. In February, he signed with the Santurce Crabbers in Puerto Rico’s BSN league, giving him an opportunity to stay in game shape while awaiting clarity on his NBA status. The move allowed the 29-year-old to continue playing competitively without committing to a long-term overseas contract.
