Brooklyn Nets NBA Odds Shorten After Landing Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving

Posted on: July 1, 2019, 09:48h. 

Last updated on: July 1, 2019, 09:48h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More

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The Brooklyn Nets’ NBA odds for the 2019-20 season are shortening after the team landed superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in the hot 2019 summer free agency market.

Sunday at 6 pm ET marked the official beginning of the NBA free agency period. As of yesterday evening, players and their agents became free to discuss potential deals with teams. However, there were, of course, plenty of “behind closed doors” deliberations already underway.

There was plenty of speculation that both Durant and Irving were departing their respective Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics for Brooklyn. Within hours of the free agency period, Durant – the prized player in the free agent market – made his Nets move official.

In an Instagram post showing Oracle Arena, which has served as the home of the Warriors but will be replaced for next season, Durant said, “I’ll never forget u!”

The Nets winning Durant and Irving has shortened the team’s title odds from 30/1 to 25/1 at the Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas. Durant and Irving reportedly accepted deals below the max in order for Brooklyn to have cap room to sign DeAndre Jordan, who inked a four-year deal with the team for $40 million.

Durant will likely miss all of the 2019-20 season, as he recovers from the torn Achilles he suffered in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

Trade Odds

As Casino.org reported last week, there were strong rumors around the NBA that Durant’s days in the Bay Area were coming to an end. ESPN NBA insider Stephen A. Smith said “it’s done” regarding the two superstars going to New York.

As for the odds on the trade, the Caesars sportsbook had the line for Durant moving to Brooklyn at -125. Bettors netted $80 for every $100 wagered on those odds. Irving was an even stronger favorite for Brooklyn. The Bronx native was at -550 to join the Nets, with bettors winning just $18.18 for every $100 bet.

The most wanted player still in the free agent market is now Kawhi Leonard. After leading the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA championship, the 28-year-old will be fielding four-year max offers from numerous teams.

The Raptors remain the leading candidate for Leonard at -125. Other potential suitors include the Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers (+190), New York Knicks (+3500), Nets (+5000), and Philadelphia 76ers (+7500).

NBA Finals

As for the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy, LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers are the favorites at 7/4. That implies odds of 36.36 percent, with a $100 bet and a Lakers title returning $175.

The Milwaukee Bucks are next at 13/2, and then it’s the Philadelphia 76ers, Warriors, Raptors, and Los Angeles Clippers at 10/1. The Houston Rockets are at 12/1, and Utah Jazz at 16/1.

As for James’ old Cleveland Cavaliers, the team doesn’t have much hope for the town’s second NBA title. The SuperBook has the billionaire Dan Gilbert-owned franchise at a distant 1000/1 to win it all. A $100 bet and a Cavs title would net $100,000.