The Nets are potentially looking at a squad that still has Kyrie Irving, Ben Simmons, and whatever hefty return they get back for Durant. However, without KD, the road to the Eastern Conference Finals — let alone an NBA title — will be significantly more difficult.
MORE: KD’s most likely landing spots | Betting favorites
Below, we’ll look at the Nets’ latest odds to win the NBA championship next season, as well as the odds for Phoenix, the rumored front-runner in the KD sweepstakes.
Betting odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Nets’ odds to win the NBA Finals after Kevin Durant trade request
The Nets are now one of the long shots to win the NBA Finals next summer at +5000. This is a far cry from where Brooklyn was just a couple days ago (+700) where it was considered a top-three favorite with the trio of Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Ben Simmons.
Now, Brooklyn is looking at an uncertain situation with Irving, who just opted into the last year of his deal, and Simmons. Brooklyn will likely get a significant haul return for Durant, though that could include more future value than immediate. However, it likely won’t be enough to catapult this team into the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference (especially if Durant stays in the conference). At this point, it’s unclear if Brooklyn will go all-in on the immediate future or start a rebuild process that will weaken it even more in 2022-23.
MORE: Players react to KD’s trade request
It’s possible Brooklyn acquires some solid players in this trade and free agency and remains a top-four threat in the East. It’s also possible Durant changes his mind and stays in Brooklyn. In either scenario, Brooklyn’s current odds to win the East or even the NBA Championship are worth a small sprinkle. However, it’s more likely Brooklyn’s chances take a major hit, so throwing any real amount of money on a team merely fighting to avoid the play-in is a complete waste.
Suns’ odds to win the NBA Finals after Kevin Durant trade request
By Nick Musial
With Durant rumored to potentially be heading to Phoenix, the Suns’ 2023 title odds have shot down to +600 (third lowest) from +900. Durant’s insertion into the Suns’ core to play alongside Chris Paul and Devin Booker makes Phoenix as formidable as anyone in the loaded Western Conference.
Of course, that’s assuming Booker isn’t part of the deal, which, at this point, is up in the air. The whole reason Phoenix was rumored as the front-runner is because of past Durant comments about wanting to play with Booker. However, reports soon surfaced that Brooklyn would demand Phoenix’s young superstar as part of the trade package.
MORE: Latest free agency news | Why KD wants out of Brooklyn
Phoenix was the odds-on favorite to win this year’s NBA Finals after breezing through the regular season with a league-best 64-18 record. A disappointing loss to Dallas in the second round coupled with the uncertain future of restricted free agent center Deandre Ayton has left the Suns in a precarious position. To pull off a Durant trade and keep Booker, Phoenix would likely have to part with stud wing Mikal Bridges and Ayton (via a sign-and-trade) in addition to future picks and another depth piece or two. While they would still likely be “better” thanks to the influx of a top-end talent like Durant, the Suns’ signature depth and defense – which was a big part of their success the past two seasons – would take a hit. Given the ages and injury histories of Durant and Paul, that would leave Phoenix as a “risky” favorite.
That said, it’s still worthwhile to lay something down on Phoenix to win the title right now. Its odds will get even shorter if it actually completes the trade for Durant without giving up Booker, and even if Booker is part of the deal, Phoenix will still have a loaded roster. Moreover, even if the Suns don’t land KD, they’ll still have a solid nucleus that can contend in the West, especially with a notable free agent/trade acquisition.
Odds to win 2023 NBA Championship (before & after Kevin Durant trade request)
Odds courtesy of DraftKings
