After a whirlwind week in the NBA, there seems to be a sense of calm as teams have made significant roster changes.
Some notable players, including a future Hall of Famer, Defensive Player of the Year, scoring title winner, and even a unicorn, have found new homes leading up to the NBA draft.
The anticipation was high as the San Antonio Spurs made the expected choice of talented Victor Wembanyama as their pick.
While the top prospects in the draft have potential, it’s well-known that rookies rarely have a huge impact on a team’s success in their first year.
So, the Spurs may have to wait a few years before Wembanyama can guide them to the playoffs.
The same goes for other high picks like Brandon Miller in Charlotte and Scoot Henderson in Portland. On the other hand, players like Chris Paul, Marcus Smart, Bradley Beal, and Kristaps Porzingis have a different story.
The Phoenix Suns made a bold move by sending Paul, Landry Shamet, and several picks to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Beal, Jordan Goodwin, and Isaiah Todd.
This marks Phoenix’s second major trade this year after acquiring Kevin Durant at the trade deadline to join forces with Devin Booker.
With Durant, Booker, and Beal forming an impressive offensive trio and Deandre Ayton still on the roster, the Suns are considered title contenders.
However, their depth has taken a hit, and they now have the fourth-best odds to win it all.
Paul’s stint with the Wizards was brief, as he was then traded to the Golden State Warriors for Jordan Poole and draft picks.
Paul, a veteran in the league, will now have the opportunity to pursue a championship in his age-38 season in the Bay Area. The Warriors, champions in 2022, are now tied with the Philadelphia 76ers with the fifth-best odds to win the title.
Earlier in the week, the Wizards were involved in a three-team trade with the Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies. The trade resulted in Washington acquiring Tyus Jones, Danilo Gallinari, Mike Muscala, and a second-round pick. Boston added Porzingis and two first-round picks to their roster, while Marcus Smart found his new home in Memphis.
With Porzingis joining Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in Boston, the Celtics are considered co-favorites with the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets.
The Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks are tied at the 11th-best odds, with Memphis adding Smart to their roster following Ja Morant’s suspension and the uncertainty surrounding Dillon Brooks’ future with the team.
With new leadership in place, the Wizards have started their rebuilding process by acquiring young talent and draft picks in exchange for aging stars. As a result, Washington currently has the longest odds to win the title.
These current NBA title odds are likely to remain unchanged for at least a week until free agency begins on June 30. Keep an eye on top players like James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Draymond Green, Fred VanVleet, and Khris Middleton, as they could potentially switch teams this summer.
In this league, never underestimate the potential for a disgruntled star demanding a trade.
2023-24 NBA Championship Odds
OUTRIGHT WINNER
Denver Nuggets
Boston Celtics
Milwaukee Bucks
Phoenix Suns
Golden State Warriors
Miami Heat
Philadelphia 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Clippers
Dallas Mavericks
Memphis Grizzlies
Cleveland Cavaliers
Sacramento Kings
New Orleans Pelicans
New York Knicks
Minnesota Timberwolves
Atlanta Hawks
Toronto Raptors
Oklahoma City Thunder
Brooklyn Nets
Chicago Bulls
Portland Trail Blazers
San Antonio Spurs
Utah Jazz
Houston Rockets
Indiana Pacers
Orlando Magic
Charlotte Hornets
Detroit Pistons