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Slam Dunk - $20 - Contest Completed | NBA Week 26

NBA G Malik Beasley subject of federal gambling probe

Sun Jun 29 1:56pm ET
Field Level Media

Guard Malik Beasley is under federal investigation in connection with allegations that he was tied to gambling activity on NBA games and prop bets, ESPN reported Sunday.

The allegations date to the 2023-24 season when Beasley was with the Milwaukee Bucks, one of six teams he has played for since the Denver Nuggets selected him No. 19 overall in the 2016 NBA Draft.

He spent the 2024-25 season with the Detroit Pistons on a one-year, $6 million contract and is due to become a free agent when the new league year begins Monday evening.

The NBA is aware of the allegations.


"We are cooperating with the federal prosecutors' investigation," NBA spokesman Mike Bass told ESPN.

Beginning around January 2024, one U.S. sportsbook saw an sharp upturn in betting on Beasley's statistics, such as rebounds per game, per the report.

"An investigation is not a charge," Beasley's attorney, Steve Haney, told ESPN. "Malik is afforded the same right of the presumption of innocence as anyone else under the U.S. Constitution. As of now he has not been charged with anything."

ESPN reported that because of the allegations, discussions about a new three-year, $42 million contract have halted.

Beasley, 28, appeared in all 82 games (18 starts) last season with the Pistons and averaged 16.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 41.6 percent from three-point range.

He has career averages of 11.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists with the Nuggets (2016-20), Minneapolis Timberwolves (2020-22), Utah Jazz (2022-23), Los Angeles Lakers (2023), Bucks (2023-24) and Pistons.

The NBA suspended Beasley for 12 games in 2021 after he entered a guilty plea to a felony charge of threats of violence. He was sentenced to 120 days in jail to be served after the 2020-21 season and was released after 78 days.

Player Notes
Bojan Bogdanovic Sun Jun 29 11:50am

According to Scott Agness, free-agent forward Bojan Bogdanovic has decided to retire from the NBA. Bogdanovic last played with the New York Knicks during the 2023-2024 season. He suffered a foot injury during the playoffs that season that required surgery, which is part of the reason he has decided to call it a career. Bogdanvoic played for a handful of organizations, but was most successful during his time with the Utah Jazz. At one point, Bogdanovic averaged 20.2 points per game during the 2019 season with Utah. He played 10 years in the league and averaged 15.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists across 719 total games.

Dorian Finney-Smith Sun Jun 29 11:40am

Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith has decided to decline his $15.4 million player option for next season. According to Shams Charania, Finney-Smith will head to free agency, but he isn't ruling out a return to the Lakers. He began last season with the Brooklyn Nets, but was traded to the Lakers in December. Finney-Smith averaged 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across 28.8 minutes per game in 43 contests with the Lakers. He has been a consistent player throughout his career and should have decent value on the open market. Finney-Smith did recently undergo ankle surgery, but should be fine in time for training camp.

LeBron James Sun Jun 29 11:30am

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has reportedly picked up his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-2026 season. James will be back for another season, but it might not be with the Lakers. He is well aware that the Lakers are building for the future and James wants a chance to win now. For now, James is sticking with the Lakers, but we'll see if that changes. He suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain during the playoffs, but is expected to be ready to go by training camp. Despite his age, James still remains a top tier fantasy option.

Anfernee Simons Sun Jun 29 10:50am

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Boston Celtics guard Anfernee Simons "is a possible re-trade candidate." The 26-year-old, who has one season left on his current deal, was recently acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers in a swap for Jrue Holiday. The Celtics have fielded calls for Derrick White and Jaylen Brown. However, Simons may be the favorite to be moved, especially with the C's looking to cut costs heading into the 2025 campaign. Simons emerged as a borderline All-Star in the last few years, most recently averaging 19.3 points and 4.8 assists in 70 appearances in 2024. It could be difficult for him to remain as productive in Boston, although his fantasy value will improve if he's traded to a team where he'll receive more scoring opportunities.

Kevin Porter Jr. Sun Jun 29 8:20am

Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. has decided to decline his player option and become an unrestricted free agent. It was only a $2.5 million option, so it's not shocking to see Porter decline it. He averaged 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists across 19.9 minutes per game in 30 games last season with the Bucks. It's unclear what the Bucks are going to do at point guard with Damian Lillard (Achilles) likely to miss most of the season. The Bucks are limited on funds, so we'll see what they decide to do this offseason. Porter's fantasy value is dependent on where he lands this offseason.

Garrett Temple Sat Jun 28 9:20pm

Toronto Raptors forward Garrett Temple plans on sticking around with the organization for at least one more season. Temple intends to sign a one-year, $3.6 million deal to remain in Toronto. The 39-year-old wants to keep playing and will return to Toronto for his third straight season. He averaged 1.9 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 8.1 minutes across 28 games with the Raptors last season. Temple figures to be a much-needed veteran presence on a rebuilding Raptors roster. He won't offer any fantasy value given he won't play more than a handful of minutes.

Nicolas Batum Sat Jun 28 9:10pm

Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum has decided to decline his $4.9 million player option for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. The veteran forward plans to test out free agency, but hasn't ruled out a return to the Clippers. It sounds like there is mutual interest from both sides, but we'll have to wait and see how free agency plays out. Last season, Batum averaged 4.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists across 17.5 minutes per game in 78 games with the Clippers. At this point in his career, Batum is a valuable veteran leader that can be an asset off the bench. Wherever he lands, Batum is unlikely to have fantasy value at this point in his career.

Keon Johnson Sat Jun 28 4:10pm

The Brooklyn Nets have exercised the team option on guard Keon Johnson on Saturday. Johnson will receive $2.35 million after having a career-year with the Nets. Last season, Johnson averaged 10.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists across 24.4 minutes per game in 79 games. Johnson played big minutes for the Nets down the stretch of the season. He has bounced around quite a bit during his career, but appears to have found a home in Brooklyn. The Nets are loaded with young talent, so we'll see where Johnson falls in the rotation when the season begins.

Rayan Rupert Sat Jun 28 4:00pm

The Portland Trail Blazers have exercised the team option on guard Rayan Rupert for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. Rupert will receive $2.2 million for next season and become a restricted free agent next summer. The 21-year-old has shown flashes of potential, but hasn't become a consistent performer yet. Last season, Rupert averaged 3.0 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.5 assists in 8.8 minutes per game across 52 contests. He posted some nice performances towards the end of the season, so possibly Rupert gets a bigger role next season. Regardless, Rupert isn't someone worth looking at in fantasy leagues.

Jonathan Kuminga Sat Jun 28 3:50pm

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has reportedly received a qualifying offer from the organization, according to Spotrac's Keith Smith. That means, Kuminga will head into free agency as a restricted free agent. This allows the Warriors to match any offer sheet that Kuminga gets during free agency. Honestly, it's unclear what kind of role Kuminga would have if he returned to Golden State. Last season, Kuminga averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists across 24.3 minutes per game. Kuminga played in a career-low 47 games, but he saw big minutes during the playoffs. It's also possible that the Warriors do a sign-and-trade here. Honestly, Kuminga would probably have better fantasy value elsewhere, but we'll wait and see what happens in free agency.

Sam Merrill Sat Jun 28 2:50pm

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Sam Merrill plans to sign a new long term deal with the organization. According to Shams Charania, Merrill intends to sign a four-year, $38 million deal with Cleveland. Merrill has spent each of the last three seasons in a reserve role with the Cavs. Last season, Merrill averaged 7.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists across 19.7 minutes per game in 71 contests. He's a consistent shooter that is a valuable option off the bench. Merrill is unlikely to offer much fantasy value, but this looks like a good deal for Cleveland.

Davion Mitchell Sat Jun 28 2:40pm

Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell plans to stay with the organization for a little longer. Mitchell intends on signing a two-year, $24 million deal with the Heat. The former ninth overall pick has been inconsistent during his five years in the league. Mitchell saw good success with Miami when he averaged 10.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists across 30 games with the team last season. Mitchell played over 30 minutes per game once he joined the Heat. He figures to get a legitimate shot at the starting point guard spot.

Isaac Okoro Sat Jun 28 11:00am

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Cleveland Cavaliers are trading forward Isaac Okoro to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for guard Lonzo Ball. The 2020 No. 5 overall pick agreed to a three-year, $33 million contract last offseason. Unfortunately, he is coming off the worst year of his career, averaging 6.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. The Cavs have one of the deepest rosters in the National Basketball Association, so Okoro could see more minutes in Chicago, potentially leading to an uptick in production. Still, he has a way to go before earning a routine spot in any fantasy lineup.

Lonzo Ball Sat Jun 28 10:50am

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Chicago Bulls are trading guard Lonzo Ball to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for forward Isaac Okoro. The Cavs have one of the highest payrolls in the National Basketball Association, so moving on from Okoro can give the team flexibility. It will also give the club another quality bench option, assuming he stays on the court. Ball miraculously returned last season following a two-year stint on the shelf caused by a serious knee injury. He played as well as expected, averaging 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in 35 games. The 27-year-old could continue to struggle to stay healthy, Still, Ball should have some flashes of production for fantasy managers throughout the 2025-26 campaign, giving him streaming potential. Unfortunately, his best days are likely behind him.

Ace Bailey Fri Jun 27 9:10pm

According to ESPN's Jonathan Givony, Utah Jazz forward Ace Bailey plans to report to the team on Saturday. "We've had good communication with Ace Bailey and his representatives," said a Jazz Representative. "We feel good about everything. We'll have a press conference Sunday and practice Monday." The former Scarlet Knight was anticipated to be the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. However, he fell to the Jazz at No. 5 after refusing to participate in individual workouts for any NBA teams. In 30 games at Rutgers, Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steals. Without question, his name should be mentioned in the Rookie of the Year conversation, assuming he stays healthy. He'll also have a chance to start immediately with the Jazz. All things considered, Bailey will be one of the first rookies selected by fantasy managers in rookie drafts, especially now that he intends to suit up for Utah.

Justin Edwards Fri Jun 27 8:50pm

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Philadelphia 76ers declined the $1.9 million team option on forward Justin Edwards. Instead, both sides agreed to a new deal, with the 21-year-old in line to sign a three-year contract. He went undrafted in 2024. Fortunately, Edwards earned a two-way contract last summer before Philly signed him to a standard deal in March. He was more productive than expected, finishing his rookie campaign by averaging 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 44 games while playing slightly better in his 26 appearances in the starting lineup. Edwards likely won't see nearly as many starts this season, assuming Paul George (adductor, knee), Joel Embiid (knee), and Tyrese Maxey (finger) stay healthy. He may also have trouble finding consistent work, although dynasty managers can consider keeping him on the roster due to his potential upside.

Naz Reid Fri Jun 27 8:30pm

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center Naz Reid agreed to a five-year, $125 million deal to remain with the team. The 25-year-old was the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2024. However, he is coming off arguably the best year of his career, finishing the 2024-25 campaign by averaging 14.2 points and 6.0 rebounds. As of now, he's projected to come off the bench for the Timberwolves, although that could change depending on what Julius Randle does this offseason. If Randle doesn't stay with the franchise, Reid may move into the starting lineup, which will improve his fantasy potential even more.

Jae'Sean Tate Fri Jun 27 2:40pm

The Houston Rockets are reportedly interested in bringing back Jae'Sean Tate, Aaron Holiday, and Jeff Green. All three players are free agents, but the Rockets want to re-sign all three of them. None of them hold much fantasy value, but are valuable pieces off the bench. Last season, Tate saw a career-low 11.3 minutes per game as he averaged 3.6 points and 2.2 rebounds across 52 games. All of them were playing minutes in the teens, but Tate is probably the best of the trio. It sounds like the Rockets want to bring everyone back and try again with newly acquired Kevin Durant.

Andre Drummond Fri Jun 27 2:10pm

Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond has picked up his $5 million player option for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. Drummond heads back to Philly for a second season after playing well in a reserve role with the team last season. He was brought in as depth behind Joel Embiid, but ended up starting in 23 games due to Embiid's health issues. He averaged 7.3 points and 7.8 rebounds across 40 games with the Sixers last season. The hope is that Embiid is healthy next season, so Drummond would have limited fantasy value in a reserve role.

Josh Giddey Thu Jun 26 8:10pm

The Chicago Bulls extended a qualifying offer to guard Josh Giddey, making him a restricted free agent. The 2021 No. 6 overall pick spent his first three seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder before getting traded to Chicago in a deal for Alex Caruso. He had a quality campaign in his first season with the Bulls, averaging 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.2 steals while shooting a career-high 37.8% from behind the arc. Giddey will likely receive more than a few offers from teams this offseason. It's also safe to assume Chicago will match anything coming his way. All things considered, the 21-year-old will probably be in the All-Star conversation for many years to come. Giddey should also remain a top fantasy option, although his career 2.7 turnovers per contest will lower his value for category participants.


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