Malik Beasley Signs With Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rico Team Amid FBI Gambling Investigation

Former Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley has been out of a job since federal authorities investigated him for gambling irregularities.

Malik Beasley Signs With Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rico Team Amid FBI Gambling Investigation

Bad Bunny and Malik Beasley (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • Malik Beasley has signed with Bad Bunny's Puerto Rico team, the Santurce Crabbers, amid ongoing FBI gambling investigations.
  • The FBI investigation into Beasley has not officially cleared him, as inquiries into his financials and betting activities continue.
  • Beasley aims to use his time in Puerto Rico to showcase his skills for a potential return to the NBA during the 2026 free agency.

There was a time when Malik Beasley was on the way to sign a major contract extension with the Detroit Pistons after his stellar performance off the bench last season.

The franchise and his teammates wanted him back because his distance shooting was an asset they could not do without. It finally seemed as if the gamble he took with the Pistons by signing a bargain contract was finally going to turn into a lucrative contract.

Those hopes, though, were dashed when the FBI came knocking on his door. It seems his gambling tactics, particularly those off the floor, would become a problem he cannot get rid of.

Moreover, the investigation coincided with Malik Beasley‘s impending contract negotiations. Naturally, when the United States Attorney’s office gets involved, the Pistons cannot do anything but wait.

After almost two months, the 29-year-old’s attorneys informed league representatives that the federal gambling investigation no longer had him as a target.

This led to some interest from the New York Knicks, but nothing materialized. Now, with the 2025-26 season at the All-Star break, it seems Beasley may not get a chance to play.

Free agent Malik Beasley has signed a deal to play in Puerto Rico for Grammy Award-winning artist Bad Bunny’s team Santurce Crabbers, both parties tell ESPN. The team’s season begins in March. Beasley has been under NBA and FBI investigations for gambling allegations.

Shams Charania revealed on X

This means that the Florida State alum has no choice but to travel to Puerto Rico to play for Super Bowl 60 halftime performer Bad Bunny‘s basketball team.

Malik Beasley is not in the clear from NBA and FBI investigations

The US Attorney’s office has been investigating players and others for improper gambling activities involving NBA games for quite some time.

Malik Beasley's 3-point shooting is still desired by NBA teams
Malik Beasley’s 3-point shooting is still desired by NBA teams (Image via Hoops Rumors/X)

Other than Malik Beasley, this investigation has also spanned Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, with the FBI arresting the latter along with former Portland Trail Blazers’ head coach Chauncey Billups. Even though he is not on an active roster, he is waiting to know what comes.

Jontay Porter was banned for life after the NBA investigated in collaboration with betting companies. In Beasley’s case, although the U.S. Attorney’s Office does not consider him a target, the league and the FBI are still investigating.

Commissioner Adam Silver repeatedly confirmed that his office is investigating the perimeter shooter’s involvement in placing prop bets. On top of it, the FBI is still looking into the Georgia native’s financials and phone records. This means he is not clear of wrongdoing and could still be indicted by either the league or the federal department. That is why a move to Puerto Rico makes sense.

Malik Beasley could use Bad Bunny’s opportunity to return to NBA

If not for the gambling investigation, interest in Malik Beasley’s services would have been very high. However, that is not the case, and the former 19th overall pick is using his current opportunity for the future.

This gives Beasley the opportunity to play for Bad Bunny’s team in Puerto Rico and showcase ahead of 2026 free agency as he awaits a ruling on his NBA investigation. Beasley averaged 16.3 points in all 82 games for the Pistons last season, setting a franchise record 319 3s.

Shams Charania wrote

This revelation from the league’s most prominent insider points to the possibility of Beasley returning to the NBA in the future. Even though it solely depends on him being acquitted of all charges, at least he is doing what is needed.

A move to Bad Bunny’s team means the guard can get back into playing rhythm and give NBA teams an audition on what they could get if he is cleared to return to play.

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