Malik Beasley is back in the fold.

For much of the off-season, Beasley’s name was virtually off-limits to teams. The veteran guard found himself left untouched in free agency as he became tangled in a federal gambling investigation in June. With the NBA cracking down hard on betting scandals–highlighted by the lifetime ban of Jontay Porter for betting on games he played in–teams had every reason to steer clear until the dust settled. Now that Beasley has officially been cleared, the phones are ringing again.

It’s not hard to see why. Beasley is fresh off a career-defining season with the upstart Detroit Pistons, who shocked the league by breaking back into the postseason picture. He played all 82 regular-season games, and was a runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year. His averages of 16.3 points per game and a franchise-record 319 made three-pointers cemented him as one of the league’s most dangerous perimeter threats. Detroit is a young, developing squad headlined by Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Jaden Ivey, and Beasley is the veteran spark plug that nicely fit the core.

That’s the version of Beasley hitting the market now: a proven scorer, a reliable shooter, and an instant offense weapon who thrives in high-energy roles. Teams in need of floor spacing or second-unit scoring are suddenly taking notice, and the list of suitors should grow quickly.

The big question is where he’ll land. Detroit remains very much in play – running it back with the promising group filled with momentum makes sense. But, of course, the market offers other temptations too. The New York Knicks have already been floated as a contender eager to add his shooting, and other playoff-bound squads could easily come calling – additionally, the vibes are great in the Big Apple with its big market, dedicated fans, and potential title contention, unlike the Pistons, who are about a few years away at the very least.

At the same time, though, Beasley is coming off a contract year in which he proved his value, and after a summer of uncertainty, chasing the biggest paycheck available might be just as appealing.

Either way, his return changes things. Beasley isn’t a star in the traditional sense, but he’s the kind of role player who shifts the balance for playoff teams and raises the ceiling for rebuilders. Now, with the investigation behind him and his reputation intact, he is officially back in the mix, and in a league where shooting is key, that makes him one of the most intriguing names still on the board.