Ah, the joys of early summer, when some NBA teams can combine draft picks, trades and free agency signings to deliver optimism to the organization and the fan base.
In the span of a couple of weeks, teams that might have stunk or had a nice playoff run can bring in stars and/or productive players to raise their playoff — and maybe title — hopes.
Tipico oddsmakers have their eagle eyes on all of it and raise or lower the Finals futures odds accordingly. Let’s take a look at some of the teams that moved the needle, either up or down, and how some of the top contenders look after making their moves.
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Miami Heats Up
The Miami Heat moved from +2000 to win the title before the draft to +950 now.
This year’s Finals runners-up are on the rise for what they may be about to do – trade for Portland Trail Blazers’ superstar Damian Lillard, an NBA 75th Anniversary Team player coming off a 32.2 ppg season.
On top of that, the Heat drafted highly regarded UCLA guard Jaime Jaquez Jr., who averaged 23.3 points and 9 rebounds in UCLA’s three NCAA Tournament games and was named Pac-12 Player of the Year.
Phoenix Sun Getting Hot
The Phoenix Suns went from +800 to +650.
After getting Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards in a three-team deal June 24, the Suns now have three players who averaged more than 23 ppg last season – Kevin Durant (29.1), Devin Booker (27.8) and Beal (23.2).
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Dallas Mavericks Hopes Dwindle
The Dallas Mavericks moved from +1300 to +2000.
Apparently keeping Kyrie Irving and adding former Brooklyn Net Seth Curry (9.2 ppg) and former Boston Celtic Grant Williams (8.1 ppg, 4.6 rgp) hasn’t impressed oddsmakers.
Maybe that’s because the combo of Kyrie and Luka Doncic were 9-18 and missed the playoffs after Dallas got Kyrie at the trade deadline. The Mavs drafted Duke shot-blocker Derrick Lively, perhaps to help make up for Kyrie’s terrible defense.
Los Angeles Lakers are Flat
The Los Angeles Lakers moved from +1100 to +1300.
This one is a bit tough to figure, after L.A. got 3-and-D free agent Taurean Prince for only $4.5 million and added solid Heat reserve Gabe Vincent, even though Vincent disappeared in the final three games against the Denver Nuggets. LA also re-signed Rui Hachimura (11.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg) and D’Angelo Russell (17.8 ppg, 6.2 apg).
Sacramento Kings Moving in Wrong Direction
The Sacramento Kings moved from +3500 to +4500.
Last season’s most surprising team re-signed multi-skilled big man Domantas Sabonis but didn’t make any other big splashes. They made a sneaky move by signing Euroleague MVP Sasha Vezenkov, who averaged 17.5 ppg and 7 rpg for Olympiacos last season.
Cleveland Cavaliers Won’t Dazzle
The Cleveland Cavaliers moved from +2000 to +3000.
The Cavs didn’t impress in their first-round series against the New York Knicks, and they haven’t added much to top stars Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland – the biggest name probably being Max Strus from the Heat. There are question marks around No. 49 draft pick Emoni Bates, so the Cavs’ offseason hasn’t been dazzling.
Philadelphia 76ers Can’t take the East
The Philadelphia 76ers moved from +1300 to +1500.
Philly added dependable reserves in defensive specialist Patrick Beverley and re-signed big man Montrezl Harrell, but the team could be trading shooting guard James Harden imminently.
It’s hard to see Philly – in its current form – getting past the Celtics or Heat in the East, so dealing Harden for more helpful players could be a shrewd move.
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Golden State Warriors Remain Steady
The Golden State Warriors moved from +1100 to +1200.
It’s been an eventful offseason for the Dubs – getting rid of the highly talented but mercurial Jordan Poole and adding a guy who brings a Hall of Fame resume but hasn’t shown he can deliver titles – Chris Paul. Re-signing Draymond Green, which reportedly seems to be the case, kept the Warriors’ futures from staying pretty much where they were pre-draft.
Los Angeles Clippers Hopes Sliding Down
The Los Angeles Clippers moved from +1400 to +1700.
Did the oddsmakers frown on the Clips re-signing Russell “Westbrick”? LA did trade for Kenyon Martin (12.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and drafted solid Missouri player Kobe Brown, who can shoot and play defense.
Milwaukee Bucks Still Favorites
The Milwaukee Bucks moved from +600 to +700.
Last season’s most disappointing playoff team re-signed one of their big three in Khris Middleton. Rejoining the Lopez brothers, keeping Jae Crowder and adding Malik Beasley apparently didn’t sway the bookies. They are still one of the favorites.
(logo/link) At Tipico Sportsbook Colorado and New Jersey customers can deposit $100 or more of real money on their first deposit to receive up to $500 in protected bets!
