How NBA free agency could impact title odds
The Los Angeles Lakers opening as some shops' favorites to win the 2020 NBA title after missing the postseason this past year didn't initially make sense on the surface. But it certainly does if LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and say, Kawhi Leonard, are all in purple and gold.
Oddsmakers have to anticipate every logical scenario in free agency to protect themselves in the futures market, which is why you'll notice certain teams shaded a bit shorter with the thought they could land a star or two.
Here's how the 2020 NBA title odds currently stack up, and some teams that could potentially be on the move after the big dominoes fall.
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Lakers | 3-2 |
| Bucks | 7-1 |
| Clippers | 8-1 |
| Rockets | 10-1 |
| Raptors | 10-1 |
| 76ers | 12-1 |
| Warriors | 12-1 |
| Nuggets | 16-1 |
| Celtics | 20-1 |
| Jazz | 25-1 |
| Trail Blazers | 30-1 |
| Nets | 30-1 |
| Thunder | 30-1 |
| Spurs | 40-1 |
| Mavericks | 60-1 |
| Pacers | 80-1 |
| Knicks | 100-1 |
| Pelicans | 100-1 |
| Magic | 200-1 |
| Hawks | 200-1 |
| Pistons | 200-1 |
| Bulls | 200-1 |
| Kings | 200-1 |
| Hornets | 200-1 |
| Heat | 200-1 |
| Wizards | 200-1 |
| Cavaliers | 200-1 |
| Grizzlies | 200-1 |
| Timberwolves | 200-1 |
| Suns | 200-1 |
Odds via Westgate SuperBook
Lakers
A meeting with the Lakers was a late add for Leonard, who'd originally been linked primarily to the Clippers and Raptors for his next chapter. What was supposed to be a combination of James and Davis and potentially another mid-tier signing has turned into a possible Big Three in L.A., with the Lakers moving from 5-2 to 3-2 overnight at the SuperBook. After the cap-crunched Lakers managed to clear enough money for a max contract, Leonard's odds to land with the franchise were also slashed from 9-1 to 5-2. The reigning Finals MVP shunning James and Co. for the Clippers would likely shift the Lakers' odds back - at least momentarily - though there's a growing sentiment they'll land one of the summer's top free agents either way.
Clippers and Raptors
One or both teams will be on the move, again depending on Leonard's decision. John Murray, the director of the SuperBook, told Covers on Wednesday that the Clippers and Raptors would move to 50-1 if they both swing and miss in the Kawhi sweepstakes. The Clippers were originally the favorite before Toronto was made the chalk, but a meeting with the Lakers might throw a wrench in both franchises' plans.
Nets
No, oddsmakers aren't solely in love with Brooklyn's trajectory. The franchise is expected to land Kyrie Irving, a massive favorite to sign with the Nets. What makes the Nets' spot in the futures market so intriguing is the possibility of also inking Kevin Durant, who declined his $31.5-million player option with the Warriors earlier in the week. The Nets are still the betting favorites to land him, though the franchise is reportedly not the current front-runner for his services. Nonetheless, netting both Irving and Durant would prompt a dramatic cut on Brooklyn's title odds.
Rockets
Jimmy Butler has been somewhat overshadowed in the free-agent market, but he could have an impact on title odds - especially if he joins the Rockets. Houston is reportedly trying to finagle itself into a position to acquire Butler and create its own Big Three with Chris Paul and James Harden. It'd take some shopping and an intricate process, but the Rockets could see a significant shift in title odds if Butler joins them, especially if Kawhi goes anywhere besides the Lakers.
Alex Kolodziej is theScore's betting writer. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 11 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AlexKoIodziej.