Surprising Free-Agency Twist Brings Great News for Knicks
The New York Knicks may have just received a late-summer boost in free agency — and it comes from a player they might not even end up signing. Malik Beasley, recently cleared from a gambling investigation, is officially back on the market. His return creates a ripple effect that could indirectly help New York secure one of its top roster targets.
Malik Beasley Back in Play
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Beasley is no longer under league investigation, which has reopened doors for him around the NBA. SNY’s Ian Begley confirmed that the Knicks are one of several teams monitoring the situation.
Beasley’s value is obvious. Over the last five seasons, the veteran guard has made more than 1,100 three-pointers while hitting them at better than 39 percent. Only Stephen Curry has matched that combination of volume and efficiency. Few shooters bring that type of production, especially as a potential minimum-contract signing.
But here’s the problem: the Knicks can only offer Beasley a veteran’s minimum deal, while other suitors have more money to throw his way. That makes it unlikely New York wins the bidding war. Yet even if Beasley lands elsewhere, the Knicks still stand to benefit.
How Beasley’s Availability Helps New York
The Knicks are hunting for backcourt depth. Malcolm Brogdon, Landry Shamet, and even Ben Simmons are all on their radar. Adding at least one veteran guard remains a top priority for the front office, and depending on how the roster shakes out, there’s a scenario where they try to land two.
Beasley’s sudden re-entry into free agency complicates the market for everyone else. Teams that were locked in on Brogdon, Shamet, or Simmons might now pivot toward Beasley, thinning out the competition for New York.
This is where the Knicks could quietly make progress. With many teams pausing to evaluate Beasley’s market, the front office has a window to strike on one of their preferred targets while others wait.
Financial and Playing Time Challenges
Of course, New York’s limitations remain real. Offering only minimum contracts makes it difficult to lure quality veterans, especially when other franchises can dangle more money and guaranteed roles. Players like Shamet and Brogdon will weigh not only the financial piece, but also where they’ll receive consistent playing time — something the Knicks can’t guarantee with an already stacked rotation.
Still, timing matters. If other teams prioritize Beasley first, it buys New York a cleaner shot at securing a guard without bidding wars getting too aggressive.
A Strategic Opening in Free Agency
The late-offseason market is always tricky, but Beasley’s situation reshuffles the deck in a way that could tilt slightly in New York’s favor. Even if he never puts on a Knicks uniform, his return to free agency could take one competitor out of the running for Brogdon, Shamet, or Simmons.
At best, Beasley’s availability ties up multiple teams long enough for the Knicks to move quickly and finalize a deal. At the very least, it reduces the immediate competition for players the front office has been pursuing for weeks.
For a Knicks team with championship aspirations, these small shifts can matter. Free agency is often about leverage and timing — and right now, New York has both on its side thanks to an unexpected twist.
