Boston Celtics Title Odds Shift with Kevin Durant Trade Rumors
Article By
Last Updated: 
The latest Kevin Durant news has started to shift the NBA betting odds at numerous sportsbooks.
With Durant’s trade request from the Brooklyn Nets still standing, the Boston Celtics have appeared to be one of the top suitors for Durant.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the Celtics have “emerged as a real threat to acquire Durant” after Boston made a Jaylen Brown-based package trade offer to the Nets.
The Nets did decline the trade, seeking out more, but the initial offer displayed how serious Boston is about getting Durant.
Charania noted Boston offered Brown, Derrick White and a draft pick for Durant but was rebuffed by Brooklyn, who also wants Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, draft picks and potentially one more rotation player added to the deal, according to Charania’s sources.
A deal for the 34-year-old Durant would mean Boston is shortening its title window.
Brown turns 26 in October and Jayson Tatum, who has blossomed into one of the top players in the league, is only 24. The Celtics appear ready to trade in two, maybe three years of Durant’s prime in exchange for a longer-term future with Brown.
All of this right after it appeared Brown and Tatum figured out how to play together during Boston’s run to the Finals last season.
Moving two starting guards from a team that made the Finals would be bold, but the Celtics could be better prepared to handle it with the offseason acquisition of Malcolm Brogdon.
The Celtics would lose some defense by moving Brogdon in place of Smart but would likely grow on the offensive end.
Last season, Brogdon led the Indiana Pacers in scoring with 19.1 points and added 5.9 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game. Brogdon is also a career 37% 3-point shooter compared to 33% for Smart.
Plus, playing with Durant and Tatum would require more shooters around the pair to give them space to create.
Boston Celtics Championship Odds
The Celtics are the consensus NBA title favorites across numerous sportsbooks.
At DraftKings, FanDuel and BetMGM, Boston has the lowest odds to win the championship at +450. Before the news of a potential deal for Durant, the Celtics' odds were +600 or higher.
By comparison, the Nets are currently +1500 at DraftKings and FanDuel and +1600 at BetMGM.
Both the Nets’ and Celtics’ odds will shift dramatically by the start of the regular season depending on what happens with Durant and guard Kyrie Irving. If both stay and rejoin a healthy Ben Simmons, expect to see Brooklyn shorter than +700.
Be first to get our exclusive offers!
Join today to stay up to date on your states gambling news and offers.
Updated by
Last Updated:
