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NBA Rumors: Mavs, Pelicans Showed Interest in Detroit Pistons Guard

Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley had multiple contenders interested in his services this summer.
Justin Grasso|
Apr 2, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Malik Beasley (5) takes a shot during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Malik Beasley (5) takes a shot during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports | Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports

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Detroit Pistons

Over the weekend, the Detroit Pistons added a veteran guard through the free agency market.

After one season with the Milwaukee Bucks, Malik Beasley tested the open market and had several suitors on his radar. The Pistons ended up luring in Beasley, as he reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the team.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Beasley had interest from the Dallas Mavericks and the New Orleans Pelicans leading up to the day he signed with the Pistons.

Had it not been for the Mavericks acquiring Klay Thompson in a six-team deal, Dallas could’ve been the team to scoop up Beasley. Per Scotto, Beasley was Dallas’ “top backup option” behind the former Golden State Warriors All-Star.

And as the Pelicans are on the hunt for a player to help stretch the floor around their star Zion Williamson. Beasley seemed like a logical option, especially considering he’s got nearly 40 playoff showings under his belt.

Ultimately, Beasley lands in Detroit, where he’ll join a rebuilding squad. Last year, the Pistons finished in last place. This summer, the Pistons’ front office added a President of Basketball Operations, who came in and made immediate changes. Detroit also moved on from its head coach, replacing Monty Williams with J.B. Bickerstaff.

Clearly, Beasley sees something in the rebuilding Pistons. Last year, the veteran guard appeared in 79 games for a playoff-contending Milwaukee Bucks team. He started 77 games, averaging 30 minutes on the court. During that time, Beasley produced 11 points per game while shooting 41 percent from deep.

As the Pistons went into free agency with a plan to priortize reliable shooters to help the spacing around Cade Cunningham, Beasley fits the description, as he’s averaged 39 percent from deep in his career.

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Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia

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