NBA odds: Kevin Durant's next team, from Heat to Warriors
Tue, Jun 28, 2022
NBA News (AP)
KD is one-third of what was supposed to be Brooklyn's Big 3. But James Harden left BK for Philly, and Kyrie Irving's part-time play did the Nets no real favors last season.'
At the beginning of the season - according to the odds, at least - those three were destined to lead their team to an NBA title. AP Bet listed the Nets as the favorites to win it all at +230 before the season tipped off.
The latest news that Kyrie Irving is staying put in Brooklyn as a part of his commitment to Kevin makes some oddsmakers think that a Durant exit from Brooklyn is unlikely. However, fans and bettors saw last season that commitment is not Kyrie's forte, so perhaps there's still a path out of BK for KD.'
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, where Kevin Durant stands is still unknown. So even though Irving opted in, Durant looking for an out is still a possibility.
To dig into the rumors a little further, AP Bet gave us the hypothetical odds on where Durant might land. If No. 7 is on the move for the third time in six years, which squad might he ball for next?'
Let's dive in.
ODDS ON KEVIN DURANT'S NEXT TEAM*
Nets: -1000 (bet $10 to win $12.50 total)
Heat: +300 (bet $10 to win $40 total)
Grizzlies: +500 (bet $10 to win $60 total)
Suns: +500 (bet $10 to win $60 total)
Hawks: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total)
Knicks: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total)
Clippers: +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total)
Blazers: +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)
Bulls: +1500 (bet $10 to win $160 total)
Lakers: +1500 (bet $10 to win $160 total)
Thunder: +1500 (bet $10 to win $160 total)
Warriors: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
*odds as of 6/27/2022
While a potential KD-Brooklyn split has been dominating recent NBA conversations, AP Bet oddsmakers have the Nets listed as the team that Durant will most likely play for next year.
From a gambling perspective, the team has gone 59-31 straight up with Durant in the lineup during the two-time NBA champion's two-year tenure in Brooklyn. And in playoffs with KD, Brooklyn is 9-7 against the spread (ATS). Breaking up is hard to do, which explains why the Nets' odds to keep KD on the squad next year are listed at -1000.
According to AP Bet sports trader Tieme Wesselink, Irving exercising his option to play in Brooklyn again means the Nets will give it a go next year with a new-look Big 3.
"I am convinced the Nets will make a run at the NBA Finals next season with their core of Durant, Irving, Simmons and Harris," Wesselink said. "If they blow it up in Brooklyn, it will be because the team is not expecting an All-Star or borderline All-Star contribution from Ben Simmons next season."
If KD does end up leaving, the Heat at +300 have the next-best odds to land the 2014 MVP. Miami might have proven its moxie in the regular season, but when the postseason rolled around, it became obvious that Jimmy "Buckets" Butler needs another superstar to get the Heat back to Finals form.'
Could Durant be the vice Miami needs to get hot again?
The Lakers and the Warriors are two Western Conference teams near the bottom of the oddsboard when it comes to possible landing spots for the two-time NBA Finals MVP.'
Kevin Durant teaming up with LeBron in Los Angeles would be a made-for-TV storyline, farfetched even by Hollywood standards. That's why the Lakers' odds as Durant's next team sit at a long +1500.
But what about Durant teaming up with Steph Curry and going back to Golden State where he won his two titles?'
Yes, the Warriors - like the Lakers - are sitting at +1500 to have KD on their team next year. However, is it possible that the chemistry between him, Steph and Klay is exactly what the Bay needs to run it back to win another title next year?'
Bettors should keep a close eye on Kevin Durant's next team because wherever he lands, that team's NBA title odds will almost certainly shrink instantly.
Do you think the superstar stays put in Brooklyn to tough it out with Kyrie for one more year? Or do you think he makes a move to another franchise in search of his third ring? Stay tuned to AP Bet as the story unfolds!
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