Federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York have opened an investigation into Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley over allegations he wagered on NBA games and player-performance prop bets during the 2023-24 season, when he played for the Milwaukee Bucks. People familiar with the matter said the inquiry has been under way for roughly 18 months and involves possible wire-fraud violations. At least one major U.S. sportsbook alerted authorities after noticing a sharp rise in betting on Beasley’s statistical unders beginning in January 2024. The 28-year-old has not been charged, and his lawyer, Steve Haney, said Beasley “is afforded the presumption of innocence like anyone else.” The NBA confirmed it is cooperating with the Justice Department. The probe has halted Detroit’s pursuit of a three-year, $42 million contract extension for the sharpshooter, who just completed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Pistons. Beasley appeared in all 82 games last season, averaging 16.3 points and shooting 41.6% from beyond the arc, production that had positioned him as one of the top perimeter scorers on the free-agent market. Beasley’s legal difficulties extend beyond the gambling inquiry. Court records show he is facing more than $8 million in civil claims, including a $2.25 million lawsuit from former marketing agency Hazan Sports Management over an unpaid $650,000 advance, as well as judgments from a lender, landlord, barber and dentist. The case is the NBA’s third gambling-related investigation in 18 months, following actions involving Jontay Porter and Terry Rozier, and highlights the heightened scrutiny on betting activity as legalized sports wagering expands.