- The Boston Celtics’ title odds shortened to -400 at the BetOnline App on Monday.
- Multiple reports from top NBA journalists linked Boston to a possible Kevin Durant trade.
- According to reports, the Celtics are trying to assemble a trade package built around Jaylen Brown.
The 2023 NBA championship odds boards are on the move once again as Kevin Durant rumors topped headlines on Monday.
Durant requested a trade from the Nets earlier this month igniting rumors linking several teams. The initial chatter had seemingly gone down after a couple weeks but on Monday, the KD stories hit the rumor mill again. This time around, it’s the Boston Celtics that are linked to Durant.
KD to Boston?
KD to Boston? 🧐
(@GetUpESPN) pic.twitter.com/UzmugX1bht
— Caesars Sportsbook (@CaesarsSports) July 25, 2022
The latest rumors are pointing to the Boston Celtics. According to multiple reports from ‘reliable’ NBA sources, the Celtics have tried or are trying to create a package centered around Jaylen Brown. Boston has reportedly offered Brown, Derrick White, and a draft pick for KD but the Nets reportedly wanted to include Marcus Smart and a rotational player.
Durant was initially heavily linked to the Phoenix Suns, but after the Suns matched the Indiana Pacers’ max contract offer to Deandre Ayton, the KD rumors subsided as Phoenix was seen as the top team with a superstar player ( Ayton ) that could be packaged in an equitable deal for Durant. At first, Boston was out of the equation as it appeared they would run things back with the same core this season. But with Brown reportedly made available, the landscape has changed.
Brown averaged 23.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game during the 2022 NBA season. The 25-year-old forward has emerged as a star player in the last two seasons, averaging 24.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 47.9% from the field, 37.6% from deep, and 76.1% from the free throw line.
Celtics Now -400 Favorites to Win 2023 NBA Title
With Kevin Durant rumors swirling, the Boston Celtics (+400) are now favorites to win the 2023 NBA Championship pic.twitter.com/KTouL2MTTg
— BetOnline.ag (@betonline_ag) July 25, 2022
With the KD rumors swirling around, the Celtics’ title odds have shortened to +400 at the BetOnline App, with the Milwaukee Bucks chasing them at +600 and the defending champions Golden State Warriors as third favorites with their +700 odds. Meanwhile, the L.A. Clippers and Phoenix Suns are the only other teams with odds shorter than +1000 at +750 and +950, respectively.
Elsewhere, the Celtics are at +500 odds via PointsBet USA with the Bucks at +600, Clippers at +650, Warriors at +700, and Suns at +900. Boston is also listed at +450 via the DK Sportsbook, FD Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, Bet365 US, Barstool Sportsbook, and Unibet.
Milwaukee is second via FD Sportsbook (+550), Barstool Sportsbook (+600), and Unibet (+600). Golden State is priced at +650 at the FD Sportsbook, Barstool Sportsbook, and Unibet. Meanwhile, the Warriors are no. 2 at +600 via DK Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, and Bet365 US with the Bucks are third at +700 via DK Sportsbook and Caesars and +650 via Bet365 USA.
