Recently, it was announced that Malik Beasley is no longer under federal investigation. This opens up a free agent target for many teams around the league. While signing Beasley isn't logical for the Minnesota Timberwolves, that doesn't mean he wouldn't fit with multiple teams around the league.
One of those teams Beasley makes sense for is the New York Knicks, who have been linked to him since the update of his investigation. HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported that the Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers have interest in Beasley. Scotto also noted Beasley's connection to Knicks executive Gersson Rosas, who signed Beasley to a four-year deal with the Timberwolves back in 2020.
The Knicks and Cavaliers have checked in on Malik Beasley, sources told @hoopshype. Knicks executive Gersson Rosas signed Beasley to a four-year, $60M deal with the Timberwolves. Knicks and Cavs have minimum deals to offer. Beasley is no longer a target of a federal investigation
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 24, 2025
Given Beasley's connection to Rosas and the Knicks' need for bench scoring, this seems like a perfect fit. Beasley could look to re-sign with the Detroit Pistons, who still hold an open roster spot. However, if he goes elsewhere, the Knicks seem like the frontrunners to sign him.
Beasley signing with the Knicks makes sense for both sides
Undoubtedly, Beasley is a high-quality player. He is coming off a season where he averaged 16.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists on 43/41.6/67.9 shooting splits. Notably, he finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting and ranked second in made 3-pointers. Beasley previously spent two and a half seasons with the T-Wolves, where he averaged 15.1 points while shooting 38.9 percent from beyond the arc. Rosas, the then-Wolves president of basketball operations, traded for Beasley at the 2020 deadline and later re-signed him.
Beasley was later traded to the Utah Jazz as part of the Rudy Gobert trade in 2022. He spent time with the Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers, and Milwaukee Bucks before ending up in Detroit.
Regardless, Beasley's microwave scoring would make him a perfect fit in New York, and it's clear Rosas has always liked him. The Knicks ranked dead last in bench points last season, so there is a need for more scoring and 3-point shooting off the bench.
New York signed Jordan Clarkson this offseason, who is a similar mold to Beasley. However, Beasley is a much more productive version of Clarkson, and the Knicks' bench could still use some reinforcements. Beasley would play a similar role to Donte DiVincenzo, who thrived with the Knicks before being traded to Minnesota.
Crucially, the Knicks still have three open roster spots, making signing Beasley realistic. They would have to sign Beasley to a minimum contract, but a prove-it deal is likely all the 28-year-old would get at this point. Playing for a team with true title aspirations would be ideal for Beasley. This would give him a chance to prove his elite value and ability to contribute to winning basketball, eventually setting him up for a massive payday in 2026.
Unfortunately, his investigation cost Beasley a big payday this summer. Nevertheless, the Knicks offer Beasley a clear chance to rebuild his value on an elite team.