Brief Introduction of Malik Beasley
Malik JonMikal Beasley is a prominent American professional basketball player, recognized for his dynamic scoring ability and sharpshooting from beyond the arc. Born on November 26, 1996, Beasley has carved out a significant career in the National Basketball Association (NBA) since being drafted 19th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets. He played one standout season of college basketball for the Florida State Seminoles, where he earned ACC All-Freshman Team honors before declaring for the draft. Throughout his professional journey, he has played for several teams, including the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and most recently, the Detroit Pistons. Beasley is known for his offensive prowess, particularly his three-point shooting, which has seen him set franchise records. His career is marked by both explosive scoring performances and periods of transition between teams, establishing him as a valuable asset in the league.
Malik Beasley Overview
| Full Name | Malik JonMikal Beasley |
| Date of Birth | November 26, 1996 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 29 |
| Birthplace | Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player |
| Husband/Wife | Montana Yao (Divorced) |
| Family | Parents: Michael and Deena Beasley; Children: Makai Joseph Beasley, Mia Love Beasley |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Natalia Garibotto |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $10 million and $60 million |
Early Life and Education of Malik Beasley
Malik Beasley was born in Atlanta, Georgia, to Michael and Deena Beasley. Both of his parents are actors, and his late grandfather, John Beasley, was also a well-known actor. Growing up in a creative and athletic household, with his father also having played professional basketball overseas, Beasley was exposed to both sports and the arts from a young age. He attended Saint Francis School in Alpharetta, Georgia, where he developed into a top-tier basketball prospect. During his high school career, he was regarded as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com. In his senior year, he put up impressive numbers, averaging 22.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. This stellar performance earned him the title of Class 1A Player of the Year in Georgia and a spot on the All-State Class A First Team. His success on the court attracted attention from numerous top college programs, including UConn, UCLA, and Oregon, but he ultimately committed to Florida State University.
Malik Beasley’s Career
College Career
Beasley played one season of college basketball for the Florida State Seminoles during the 2015–16 season. He made an immediate impact, averaging 15.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists over 34 games. His scoring average was the second-highest for a freshman in the university’s history. He demonstrated his efficiency by ranking eighth in the ACC in free throw percentage (.813) and tenth in field-goal percentage (.471). His outstanding performance earned him a spot on the ACC All-Freshman team and honorable mention All-ACC honors. Following his successful freshman year, where he led the team in scoring and helped them to a 20–14 record, Beasley declared for the 2016 NBA draft, forgoing his remaining three years of college eligibility and becoming the first one-and-done player in Florida State’s history.
NBA Career
Malik Beasley was selected with the 19th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets. He signed his rookie contract on August 9, 2016. His first few seasons saw limited playing time, but he showed flashes of his scoring potential. His role expanded significantly in his third year with the Nuggets, where he averaged over 11 points per game.
In February 2020, Beasley was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a multi-team deal. With the Timberwolves, he took on a starting role and his scoring production surged, as he averaged 20.7 points in his first 14 games. This led to him signing a lucrative four-year, $60 million contract with the team in November 2020.
In July 2022, Beasley was part of a major trade that sent him to the Utah Jazz. He played half a season with the Jazz before being traded again in February 2023, this time to the Los Angeles Lakers in a three-team trade. After the Lakers declined his team option, he became a free agent and signed with the Milwaukee Bucks for the 2023–2024 season. Most recently, Beasley joined the Detroit Pistons, where he had a standout 2024-2025 season, setting a franchise record for the most three-pointers made in a season.
Malik Beasley Personal Life & Family
Malik Beasley’s family has a background in both sports and entertainment. His father, Michael Beasley, is an actor and former professional basketball player, and his mother, Deena Beasley, is also an actress. His grandfather was the late actor John Beasley, known for his role in the film “Rudy.” Malik has two siblings, a brother named Darius and a sister named Micah.
Beasley’s romantic life has been a subject of public attention. He married model Montana Yao in March 2020. They have two children together: a son named Makai Joseph, born in March 2019, and a daughter named Mia Love, born in November 2022. The couple’s relationship has been tumultuous. Yao first filed for divorce in December 2020 after Beasley was publicly seen with television personality Larsa Pippen. Beasley and Yao later reconciled, but Yao filed for divorce a second time in March 2025, citing “irreconcilable differences.” Soon after the second divorce filing, Beasley began dating Brazilian model Natalia Garibotto.
Awards and Achievements of Malik Beasley
- ACC All-Freshman Team (2016)
- All-ACC Honorable Mention (2016)
- Kyle Macy Freshman All-America Team (2016)
- Named Class 1A Player of the Year in Georgia (High School)
- All-State Class A First Team (High School)
- Set Detroit Pistons franchise record for most three-pointers made in a season
Malik Beasley Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Malik Beasley’s net worth is estimated to be between $10 million and $60 million, though some reports indicate significant financial difficulties despite his career earnings. Over his NBA career, Beasley has signed contracts worth over $59 million. His most significant contract was a four-year, $60 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2020. His salary for the 2024-25 season with the Detroit Pistons was $6 million. Beyond his NBA salary, Beasley has had endorsement deals, including a multi-year, million-dollar agreement with Nike upon entering the league. However, recent reports have highlighted financial challenges, including lawsuits for unpaid debts to lenders, service providers, and landlords totaling over $8 million.
Legacy and Influence
Malik Beasley is recognized in the NBA as a potent offensive player, primarily valued for his elite three-point shooting and ability to score in bunches. His career has been a journey of adaptation, having played key roles on multiple teams, from a developing talent with the Denver Nuggets to a primary scorer in Minnesota and a valuable floor-spacer for playoff-contending teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons. His performance with the Pistons, where he set a franchise record for three-pointers in a single season, underscores his impact as a specialist in the modern, perimeter-oriented NBA. While his on-court achievements are notable, his career has also been shaped by off-court issues that have influenced his public image. Nevertheless, his skill set ensures he remains a sought-after player in the league, capable of changing the dynamics of a game with his long-range shooting.
Interesting Facts about Malik Beasley
- His grandfather is actor John Beasley, who famously played a football coach in the movie “Rudy.”
- Both of his parents, Michael and Deena Beasley, are also professional actors.
- He became the first “one-and-done” player in the history of Florida State University’s basketball program, declaring for the NBA draft after just one season.
- He was named Georgia’s Class 1A Player of the Year during his senior year of high school.
- Upon entering the NBA, he signed a million-dollar endorsement deal with Nike to promote LeBron James’s signature shoe line.
Controversies
Malik Beasley’s career has been marked by several significant off-court controversies. In 2020, he pleaded guilty to a felony count of threats of violence after an incident where he pointed a rifle at a family in a car outside his Minnesota home. He was sentenced to 120 days in jail and was released after serving 78 days. His personal life has also generated public headlines, particularly his relationship with his now ex-wife Montana Yao, their public separation following his involvement with Larsa Pippen, and their eventual reconciliation and second divorce filing.
More recently, in 2025, Beasley became the subject of a federal investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office concerning allegations of gambling tied to NBA games. The investigation reportedly focused on unusual betting patterns, specifically “prop bets,” related to his statistics. Although he was not charged with any crime, the investigation, coupled with numerous lawsuits alleging over $8 million in debts, created significant financial and legal challenges for him. These issues led to the Detroit Pistons reportedly withdrawing a three-year, $42 million contract offer.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – @mbeasy5
- Twitter – @Mbeasy5
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Malik Beasley
Malik Beasley’s journey in the world of professional basketball is a compelling narrative of high-level talent and significant personal challenges. On the court, he has proven himself to be an elite shooter, a dynamic scorer, and a valuable asset for any team looking to enhance its offensive firepower. His ability to consistently knock down three-pointers has not only earned him lucrative contracts but also franchise records. However, his career trajectory has been undeniably impacted by a series of off-court legal and personal issues that have often overshadowed his athletic achievements. As he navigates these challenges, his future in the NBA will depend on his ability to maintain his on-court production while finding stability away from it. His story serves as a testament to the pressures and complexities faced by modern professional athletes.