Former NBA guard Malik Beasley has agreed to plead guilty to federal charges tied to an alleged sports-betting scheme involving bets on his performance during the 2023-24 season. His plea is scheduled for Dec. 9 in New York. The investigation also derailed his NBA free agency after a standout season with Detroit.

By the Numbers
  • Beasley allegedly scored 3 points against Cleveland, compared with his 11.3-point season average.
  • He averaged 16.3 points per game with Detroit in 2024-25 and finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting.
  • Six men were indicted in the alleged scheme; Beasley is the second NBA player to plead guilty to gambling-related charges.
Yes, But

Beasley has agreed to plead guilty, but his sentencing and any consequences from the NBA remain unresolved. Prosecutors alleged that former teammate Ed Davis led the scheme; Beasley is accused of helping manipulate his performance in games against Cleveland and Charlotte.

State of Play
  • Beasley has not played in the NBA since the 2024-25 season and went unsigned after the investigation interrupted his free agency.
  • Jontay Porter, who pleaded guilty in a separate gambling scheme, was banned from the NBA for life in 2024.
What's Next

Beasley is scheduled to enter his plea Dec. 9. The NBA’s response, including whether he could face a lifetime ban like Porter, is unclear.

Bottom Line

A guilty plea could bring both legal consequences and a lasting impact on Beasley’s basketball future, even after a career-best season.