DETROIT – The Detroit Pistons face a fresh complication in their offseason plans. Guard Malik Beasley , one of the league’s top three-point threats, now faces a federal gambling investigation . According to ESPN, Beasley is under scrutiny by the U.S. District Attorney’s office for possible betting activity related to NBA games and prop bets during his time with the Milwaukee Bucks . Another key Pistons free agent, Dennis Schroder , could see an unexpected opportunity emerge from this Beasley development.
Malik Beasley’s Investigation Changes Outlook For Key Pistons Free Agent, Dennis Schroder
Steve Haney, Beasley’s attorney, told ESPN, “An investigation is not a charge. 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.” The NBA confirmed it is “cooperating with the federal prosecutors’ investigation.”
Beasley had an impressive year, averaging 16.3 points per game while appearing in all 82 games. He made 319 three-pointers, the second most in the NBA behind Anthony Edwards . He became only the third player in NBA history to hit 300 threes while shooting at least 40% from deep.
Dennis Schroder Sees Opportunity Shift
The Beasley situation directly affects veteran guard Dennis Schroder’s future with the Pistons. With Beasley’s status now in question, Detroit might reconsider its approach to Schroder’s potential return. Schroder made $13 million this past season and had hoped to negotiate a longer, richer deal to stay in Detroit.
“I want to stay in Detroit for sure, but Detroit ain’t waiting for me, I can tell you that much,” Schroder admitted during a Saturday live stream. The 31-year-old German guard has spent the past few seasons bouncing between rosters. He signed a two-year, $25 million deal with the Raptors in 2023 but didn’t stay long. By February 2025, he found himself with the Pistons after short stints with Brooklyn and Golden State.
“I want to stay in Detroit, but Detroit ain’t waiting for me.”
– Dennis Schroder
(h/t @kings_muse )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 29, 2025
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Schroder remains a crafty scorer and energetic playmaker. He often comes off the bench but has started when needed throughout his career. Many still remember how Schroder declined a reported four-year, $84 million deal earlier in his career. He now hopes to secure a contract that reflects his value.
Young Pistons Backcourt Limits Schroder
A Schroder return to the Pistons gets more complicated when considering Detroit’s young backcourt. With Cade Cunningham , Ausar Thompson , and Jaden Ivey developing rapidly, Detroit may not see a clear role for Schroder moving forward. His experience and instant offense have value, but the franchise appears focused on building around its young core.
Last season, Schroder helped Detroit finish sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 44-38 record. Many believed he would run it back to build on that success. Instead, he now faces a cloudy market while Beasley’s situation drags on.
Potential Landing Spots for Schroder
Schroder’s next stop remains uncertain. Some believe a Lakers reunion could make sense if the Pistons let him walk. Los Angeles could use the taxpayer midlevel exception—worth about $5.7 million—or offer him a veteran minimum. Should Detroit close the door, he may head west to rejoin an old contender.
The Beasley dilemma leaves the franchise juggling multiple decisions. Beasley’s probe could open a gap Dennis Schroder might fill—unless the Pistons fully pivot to its youth movement.
Pistons’ Next Steps
Detroit must navigate this sensitive moment carefully. Losing Beasley would hurt their offensive spacing. Letting Schroder walk would remove a seasoned ball handler and scorer.
While Beasley fights to clear his name, Dennis Schroder waits for the Pistons to decide if he fits their future. For now, Detroit’s front office holds the cards—and both veterans wait to see which way the Pistons play their hand.
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