Bad Bunny Signs Controversial Former NBA Player to His Team
On Friday, Feb. 13, news surfaced in the hoops world that Bad Bunny has signed a former NBA player to his Puerto Rican team.
Bad Bunny, of course, just performed at the Super Bowl halftime show, but now, he's making waves in a different sport: basketball.
According to a report and research from ESPN's Shams Charania, former NBA player and current free agent Malik Beasley has signed a deal to play in Puerto Rico for Bad Bunny's professional basketball team, Santurce Crabbers. Both parties confirmed the news to Charania.
The team's season in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) league starts in March, so the move comes just in time for Beasley to be involved with the full season.
Former Detroit Pistons Player Wasn't Allowed to Sign Again, Yet
So, why is this move controversial? Beasley has been under investigation for improper gambling allegations in the NBA since last season, which is why he wasn't able to sign to any NBA team for the 2025-26 season. "The investigation stems from allegations of improper gambling on NBA games and prop bets from the 2023-24 season when Beasley was with the Milwaukee Bucks," sources told ESPN."
Beasley was lined up to sign again with the Detroit Pistons for the 2025-26 season, but he wasn't allowed to, due to the allegations.
It's worth noting that "Beasley's attorney, Steve Haney, told ESPN that Beasley was not a target and had not been charged in the federal investigation, which has resulted in four guilty pleas related to a gambling scheme involving former NBA player Jontay Porter."
Detroit Was Hoping to Get Him Back, But Now, He's with Bad Bunny
So, even if Beasley is cleared of any wrongdoing, which appears to be what's happening, he has already inked with another team for the upcoming year. That's heartbreaking news to those hoping to see him back with the Detroit Pistons for a playoff run.
Beasley, according to NBA research, averaged 16.3 points per game and shot 41.6% from three-point range for the Motor City during the 2024-25 season. He also sunk 319 three-pointers, the most in a season in Detroit franchise history