


DETROIT >> The Detroit Pistons’ plans for free agency and the construction of their 2025-26 might be changing.
The Detroit News reported Sunday that federal agents in New York have launched a wire fraud investigation of Pistons guard Malik Beasley related to gambling and prop bets.
Beasley, set to become an unrestricted free agent, has played one season in Detroit and he was a significant contributor to their success. He averaged 16.3 points on 41.6% shooting from 3-pointers across 82 games and placed second in Sixth Man of the Year voting.
There are a number of scenarios that could emerge as the Pistons whether or not to try to re-sign Beasley, who made $6 million this past season on a one-year contract. It was his ninth NBA season.
A few possible options:
Will Nickeil Alexander-Walker become a top target?
Alexander-Walker could emerge as Detroit’s top target in free agency. With a career shooting percentage of 36.0% from beyond the arc, Alexander-Walker not only has the offensive skills to fill Beasley’s role as a shooter but has also established himself as one of the league’s premier 3-and-D players.
Before helping the Minnesota Timberwolves reach the Western Conference Finals last season, Alexander-Walker played all 82 games and averaged 9.4 points on 38.1% shooting from behind the arc.
Is a reunion with Dennis Schröder more likely?
Beasley was by far the most important of the Pistons’ own free agents, especially in terms of maintaining the team’s continuity. However, the Pistons now could be more likely to favor a reunion with Schröder, who has gained interest from several other teams on the market.
After landing in Detroit at the NBA trade deadline, Schröder became a prominent figure in the Pistons’ success.
He averaged 10.8 points in 28 games. Schröder’s most significant contributions came during the Pistons’ six-game playoff series against the New York Knicks, where he averaged 12.5 points while shooting 49.1% from the field and 47.6% from 3-point range during the postseason.
Will rookie Chaz Lanier be counted on right away?
The Pistons also could lean more heavily on players already on the roster, particularly three-year guard Marcus Sasser. Additionally, Lanier, the Pistons’ only draft pick but an excellent shooter, might find a role on the team sooner rather than later.
President of basketball operations Trajan Langdon revealed that Lanier’s experience and ability to adapt to change are among several intangibles that made him a desired prospect entering the NBA Draft.
Given that Lanier is a rookie, the Pistons probably would prefer a more experienced player to replace Beasley’s production.
However, Lanier proved to be a capable shooter during his college seasons at North Florida and Tennessee, making 40.2 percent of his 3-pointers.