Malik Beasley

Malik Beasley is still a "subject" of the federal investigation into sports gambling, according to Alex Schiffer of Front Office Sports.

So, not cleared.

The Department of Justice defines "subject" as "a person whose conduct is within the scope of the grand jury's investigation." That's a lower threshold than "target," someone whom the prosecutor or grand jury has "substantial evidence linking him or her to the commission of a crime."

If Beasley did no wrong, it's unfortunate his career has been derailed. He is stuck – not charged, but with a cloud still hanging over his head. But there are also unavoidable and serious questions about why he has been linked to this probe.

Malik Beasley

In addition to the Knicks and Cavaliers, the Pistons and Timberwolves have touched base with Malik Beasley, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

New York, Cleveland and Minnesota are contenders that might deem the risk-reward worthwhile. It's easier to justify signing a player with legal issues – even related to the sport itself – when the upside is a championship.

Re-signing with Detroit would allow Beasley to build Early Bird Rights, a concept we detailed last week. Basically, the Pistons could re-sign Beasley for up to a $7.2 million salary. If a one-year contract, he could also re-sign next offseason for the Early Bird exception (which approximately equals the non-taxpayer mid-level exception).

Olivier-Maxence Prosper

The Mavericks are looking to trade Olivier-Maxence Prosper so they can sign Dante Exum, according to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.

Though Dallas agreed nearly two months ago to re-sign Exum, the signing hasn't happened yet. The Mavericks lack even a minimum-salary slot below their second-apron hard cap.

Dallas could create enough room by stretching Prosper, who's due $3,007,080 in the final year of his contract. But that would also put a $1,002,360 immovable cap hit on the Mavericks' books the following two years.

Players must clear waivers by Monday (Sept. 1) to have their 2025-26 salary stretched. So, it seems Dallas is making one last attempt to trade Prosper before that deadline.

N'Faly Dante

N’Faly Dante's unmatched two-year, minimum-salary offer sheet with the Hawks is guaranteed just $85,300, according to Bobby Marks of Sports Business Classroom.

That was the same amount guaranteed in Dante's two-way qualifying offer from Houston. However, the Rockets lacked room for even a minimum salary below their first-apron hard cap, so they couldn't match.

In some respects, this shows how easy it could be to get more two-way offer sheets – a favorite concept of Nate's. But in some ways, the circumstances had to be just right for this one to come to fruition.

Max Strus

Max Strus is out at least 3-4 months following Jones Fracture surgery, the Cavaliers announced.

Cleveland is deeper on the wing after acquiring De'Andre Hunter last season. Dean Wade and Lonzo Ball can contribute. And Jalon Tyson might get an opportunity.

Phoenix Suns

Two Suns minority owners are suing Mat Ishbia's ownership company for access to financial records related to spending under Ishbia, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic covers.

Minority owners complaining about what the controlling owner does is hardly uncommon. But it rarely results in a lawsuit.

Ishbia continues to come across as someone intent on doing things his way but overlooking the details necessary for a well-functioning NBA franchise.

Expansion draft

Yossi Gozlan of Third Apron hosted a mock expansion draft with Keith Smith and Sam Quinn.

This was fun.

Timing a mock expansion draft is difficult, because impending restricted free agents play a key role. However, when players are heading into restricted free agency – following the season, before July 1 – is a busy time in the actual NBA calendar with the draft, trades and negotiations between teams and their own players. It's hard to find time for a mock expansion draft.

Gozlan, Quinn and Smith pretended it was June 2026 for this exercise. Which meant imagining a full season – obviously not ideal.

But again, this was still enjoyable.

Predictions

An ESPN panel predicts teams' records this season. Like or dislike the forecast, it is one that both reflects and significantly influences hegemonic opinion.

-Dan Feldman