
The NBA never disappoints when it comes to drama. It has become commonplace for an NBA superstar to decide his own fate no matter what his contract situation is, and Brooklyn’s Kevin Durant is the latest star to cause a stir by requesting a trade.
Durant, who requested a trade less than a year after signing a four-year, $198-million extension with the Nets, has only put more pressure on his team as the offseason continues.
In the saga’s latest update, the superstar forward has reportedly presented the Brooklyn Nets owner with an ultimatum. If he were to stay, KD wants head coach Steve Nash and general manager Sean Marks fired, per The Athletic's Shams Charania, citing his lack of faith in the organization’s direction under the current leadership.
The biggest takeaway from this development is that Durant appears to be interested in staying in Brooklyn under the right circumstances. If he is dealt, however, BetUS lists the Boston Celtics as the -175 favorite in the Kevin Durant odds.
Read below to see some potential destinations and trade scenarios for Durant, and check out our Kyrie Irving odds and NBA free agency odds pages for the latest on this crazy start to the NBA offseason.
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Kevin Durant Next Team Odds
Team | Odds |
---|---|
Boston Celtics | -175 |
Phoenix Suns | +350 |
Golden State Warriors | +450 |
Toronto Raptors | +550 |
Portland Trail Blazers | +800 |
New York Knicks | +1200 |
Atlanta Hawks | +1400 |
Los Angeles Clippers | +1400 |
Los Angeles Lakers | +2000 |
Oklahoma City Thunder | +2500 |
Chicago Bulls | +2500 |
Odds as of August 9 at BetUS
Why The Celtics Are Favored To Land Durant
Boston’s chalk position stems exclusively from a reported trade package that saw the Celtics cough up Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and more to the Nets for KD’s services. Before that offer, the C’s weren’t on anyone’s radar for a big splashy trade for “The Slim Reaper.” Now they’re the favorites.
Speculation aside, Durant would arguably make the Celtics the NBA’s deadliest team, adding to a squad that’s already favored in the NBA championship odds. Boston lacked clutch scoring in last year’s playoffs. Obviously a deal for Durant addresses that, but it’s still wild to imagine the capabilities of Jayson Tatum working the wings and sharing the floor with a legend like KD.
At -175, we don’t love those odds. Still, the situation is worth following as the trade drama unfolds.
Kevin Durant Odds: Best Bet
New York Knicks (+1200)
For value’s sake, a bet on the Knicks at +1200 is phenomenal value. But, why would Durant ask out of Brooklyn only to force a trade within The Big Apple? Good question.
The answer lies in Durant’s previous dealings. There was rampant speculation before the 2020 season, including notable reports from ESPN and The Athletic, that the Texas product was close to or considering a move to the Knicks in free agency. Ultimately it didn’t come to fruition, but the interest was there.
The Knicks are fixated on acquiring Donovan Mitchell right now, but if the bottom falls out of that big move – which is very possible – it would be no surprise if they take a stab at KD. NYC loves big names and big drama. KD provides both. There’s worse use of your money than a glass-half-full wager on the Knicks as a dark horse in the Durant sweepstakes.
Just How Valuable Is Durant?
Status | Games Played (Including Playoffs) | Record | Average PPG | +/- |
---|---|---|---|---|
With Kevin Durant | 107 | 67-40 | 116.42 | 4.7 |
Without Kevin Durant | 64 | 33-31 | 113.11 | -0.78 |
As the buzz about KD’s motivations or ego issues rings loudly, it’s worth reminding folks of his value on the court. Sure, the doomed Brooklyn trio of Kyrie Irving, James Harden and Durant rarely ever played together, but the Nets were, quite simply, not the same team without their six-foot-10 scorer.
Bet On Kevin Durant Next Team Odds Here
It’s not like Durant chips in immensely on defense, but, over the last two seasons, the Nets were outscored when he wasn’t on the court, the squad averaged fewer points and Brooklyn’s record was severely hindered (.626-win percentage with Durant vs .516 without him).
Whichever team trades for Durant is getting a sure-fire difference-maker on the floor.
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