ESPN exclusively reported on Wednesday that the NBA has officially launched an independent investigation into free agent Malik Beasley, who is suspected of illegal gambling.

According to reports, the investigation relates to allegations that Beasley placed illegal bets on multiple NBA games and participated in illegal gambling investments while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2023/24 season.

Beasley's attorney, Steve Haney, has confirmed the investigation and stated that Beasley is "actively cooperating with the NBA's investigation."

Regarding the independent investigation into Beasley, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated, "I can only say that the investigation is ongoing. I understand that the federal investigation into Malik Beasley is also ongoing. We will address any issues that arise in his case."

This is the second time Beasley has been investigated for illegal gambling this year.

On June 29th, Beasley was also under investigation by a U.S. federal court for similar allegations. 

On August 22nd, Haney stated that the player was no longer the subject of a federal investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York for federal gambling. Despite this, the investigation into him is said to be far from complete.

Before these controversies erupted, his last team, the Detroit Pistons, had offered Beasley a three-year, $42 million contract extension.

However, days before the federal investigation began, the NBA team withdrew the extension offer, and restrictions on his free agency were never fully lifted.

Although some online media outlets (including this website's infamously notorionus female rumour monger, "Ms. Plan To") later reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers were interested in signing Beasley to "bolster their perimeter defense," no other reputable media outlets, including prominent reporters, ever reported on the rumour.