Malik Beasley Likely to Leave Pistons After Playoff Exit
After a surprisingly successful 2024–25 season, the Detroit Pistons saw their playoff run come to an end in the first round against the New York Knicks. Despite the early exit, the team’s performance sparked optimism about the franchise’s future.
Now entering the offseason, Detroit faces several personnel decisions, including whether to re-sign veteran guard Malik Beasley, whose one-year contract has expired. Early signs suggest he may not be part of the team’s plans for the 2025–26 season.
Beasley joined the Pistons on a one-year, $6 million deal and played all 82 regular-season games, starting 18. He brought scoring depth off the bench, averaging 16.3 points while shooting 41.6% from beyond the arc on a career-high 9.3 attempts per game. However, his postseason performance didn’t match his regular-season impact.
In six playoff games, Beasley’s shooting and overall efficiency dipped. He averaged 14 points per game on just 37.3% shooting, including 33.9% from three-point range. Defensively, he struggled and posted a negative plus/minus in four games, three of which were losses.
A key moment came in Game 6. With under six seconds remaining and the Pistons trailing by three, Beasley mishandled a critical pass from Cade Cunningham, ending the team’s final possession and effectively sealing their elimination.
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While Beasley was a valued member of the locker room and provided a consistent scoring option during the season, his lack of postseason production could prompt the Pistons to seek a more reliable veteran shooter—one who can contribute in the playoffs.
Although Beasley’s leadership and presence would be missed, Detroit’s team chemistry shouldn’t hinge on one player’s departure. Unless the team struggles to find a suitable replacement through free agency, trades, or the draft, it’s unlikely Beasley will return next season.
