Two of the NBA’s major storylines right now center on two former Milwaukee Bucks.
First, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis were dealt to the Miami Heat for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks (including No. 13 overall pick Nate Ament last month), one pick swap, and one second-rounder.
The second involves former Bucks guard Malik Beasley, who was indicted in a sports gambling scandal in which he allegedly manipulated his performance while with Milwaukee so others could bet on his stats.
Antetokounmpo and Beasley recently reconnected, jumping on the phone together while on a livestream.
Heat Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Plans to Meet With Malik Beasley After Gambling Indictment
Beasley was the latest player to be charged by federal prosecutors as part of a large-scale investigation into illegal sports gambling.
Several other players and coaches have also been indicted, including Ed Davis, Terry Rozier, Jontay Porter, Chauncey Billups, and Damon Jones.
Beasley was originally selected by the Denver Nuggets out of Florida State with the No. 19 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. The Atlanta native was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2020, and he also had stints with the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers before joining the Bucks for the 2023-24 season.
Beasley was solid for the Bucks, starting 77 games and averaging 11.3 points while shooting 41.3% from 3-point range. The following season, he signed with the Detroit Pistons and averaged 16.3 points while shooting 41.6% from the 3-point line. Last summer, Beasley was in talks with the Pistons on a new contract and seemed poised for a lucrative payday in free agency when the life-changing gambling allegations dropped.
Despite Beasley’s recent issues, Antetokounmpo is still planning to link up with his former Bucks teammate in Miami soon. While on N3on’s livestream, Antetokounmpo caught up with Beasley over FaceTime.
Giannis just talked to Malik Beasley on stream:
Giannis: Hey man my brother
Beasley: my brother
Giannis: Your family good ??
Beasley: All good
Giannis: You coming back in the league?
Beasley: I gotta handle some business first then we’ll see
Giannis: Give me a call,… pic.twitter.com/ZFsTeh8gCn
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) July 6, 2026
After the two talked about the time that Antetokounmpo blocked Beasley’s shot and then did his signature shimmy celebration, Antetokounmpo asked how he’s been.
“I’m doing well, bro,” Beasley said. “One day at a time.”
Then, Antetokounmpo asked, “You coming back in the league?”
“I gotta handle some business first, then we’ll see,” Beasley responded. “One day at a time.”
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Antetokounmpo then asked Beasley to give him a private call off the livestream. Beasley revealed that he’s in Miami, and Antetokounmpo responded, “You’re in Miami? I’ll be there in like a week. If you’re still there, I’mma hit you.”
Beasley pleaded not guilty to the gambling charges and was released on a $100,000 bond, but the early signs do not look good for him legally or for an NBA comeback.
Prior to the gambling charges, Beasley was a highly coveted sharpshooter (the exact kind of player that Miami needs right now), so there would likely be a market for him if he were cleared of all wrongdoing. However, it remains to be seen how the legal process will play out.
