Steve Starr
- BetOnline has released odds on who will win the 2020 NBA Championship
- The Milwaukee Bucks (+450) are the early favorites to hoist the trophy next season
- The Lakers’ title chances (+700) will be determined by the outcome of the Anthony Davis sweepstakes
After one bold stroke by Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri, and two gruesome injuries to Warriors stars, Toronto dethroned Golden State to become the most unconventionally constructed championship team in basketball history.
With the 2019 NBA Draft and the most-anticipated free agency season of all time yet to unfold, BetOnline has released early odds on what team will win the Larry O’Brien Trophy next year. Let’s read the tea leaves on where star players might end up to find the best values on the board.
Odds to Win 2020 NBA Championship
| NBA Team | Odds |
| Milwaukee Bucks | +450 |
| Golden State Warriors | +500 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | +700 |
| Toronto Raptors | +800 |
| Houston Rockets | +900 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | +1200 |
| Boston Celtics | +1400 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | +1400 |
| Brooklyn Nets | +2000 |
| Denver Nuggets | +2500 |
| Dallas Mavericks | +3300 |
| Indiana Pacers | +3300 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | +3300 |
| New York Knicks | +3300 |
*Odds taken on 05/14/19
The Favorites: Bucks and Warriors
Milwaukee is the favorite to win the 2020 NBA title not because of who they might court in free agency but who’s already there.
Presumptive NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo hasn’t even hit his ceiling yet entering his age-25 season, but the Bucks will need to retain soon-to-be unrestricted free agent Khris Middleton and restricted FA Malcolm Brogdon in order to make the next step.
Oakland’s past is brighter than the Warriors’ future: https://t.co/LQRvO7arY6 pic.twitter.com/VdaUQJVDHB
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) June 14, 2019
Golden State has already indicated they intend to offer Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson five-year max contracts despite the high likelihood that neither play basketball next season.
With the dynasty over and the franchise’s future suddenly up-in-the-air, it’s a bit of surprise to see them listed at 5/1, but perhaps the Warriors can get creative?
Free-Agent Destinations: Lakers and Knicks
NBA players want to play in Los Angeles – it really is that simple. After being rebuked at the deadline, the Lakers are once again the favorites to land Anthony Davis.
The 6’11” big man and his agent Rich Paul have made it clear that LA is their first and only choice. With other teams scared to part with assets without a guarantee, the 26-year-old will re-sign next year, the Lakers’ ability to package young stars (Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma) with the no. 4 pick puts them firmly in the driver’s seat.
“I think the Lakers have enough to get a deal done for Anthony Davis … “
–@wojespn pic.twitter.com/FOdZ0lhNKJ
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) June 13, 2019
With the Warriors seemingly dead and buried, place a 7/1 bet on the Purple and Gold now before LeBron gets his next running mate.
Meanwhile, the odds of the Knicks winning the championship next year were probably summarized best by a recent New York Daily News’ back page: “KNICKS LOSE GAME 5. Durant goes down with Achilles injury, ruining EVERYTHING as Warriors avoid elimination.”
Stay or Go: Raptors and Clippers
With rumors that Kahwi Leonard will leave Toronto for the Staples Center’s less glamorous tenant, the Raptors (8/1) have only slightly better 2020 title odds than the Clippers (12/1).
Doc Rivers’ flattering Jordan comparisons can’t hurt LA’s recruiting chances, but Kahwi is a hard guy to get a read on. When asked to a clarify a report that he purchased property in Toronto, the 27-year-old recently said, “No, it didn’t. It didn’t happen yet, no.”
“If Kawhi Leonard goes to the Clippers … the Clippers are winning the NBA title next season.”
—@maxkellerman pic.twitter.com/0PqjZCSBvb
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 14, 2019
While that almost sounds like Leonard intends to return to defend the title, it’s still possible he flies the coop after delivering Canada’s first major professional sports championship since the Blue Jays won the World Series in 1993.
Your guess is as good as mine.
