NBA Betting News This Month | Kawhi Ruling Looms as Camps Approach | September 2026

by Tony Reyes

Updated: September 1, 2026

The NBA offseason is winding down, but one huge story is still open. The Kawhi Leonard investigation is nearing a resolution. That could finally unlock his trade to the Raptors. It’s the last domino before training camps open.

The rest of the roster moves are basically done. Now the focus shifts to camp, media days, and the futures market. The 2027 title and MVP odds have settled after a wild summer. This page breaks down the latest and previews the next two weeks.

Training camp opens in late September. The regular season tips October 20. This is the calm before the season ramps up. Let’s get into it.

Our NBA betting page has futures, odds and analysis for the season ahead.

The biggest NBA betting storylines

The Kawhi Leonard saga is the story of the moment. The NBA’s probe into the Clippers is nearing its end. A Board of Governors meeting in mid-September should provide clarity. The outcome decides whether the Raptors trade goes through. It’s the biggest domino left this offseason.

Other storylines moving the board:

• No evidence found. The NBA reportedly found no proof owner Steve Ballmer funneled money to Kawhi through sponsors. There’s no indication his contract will be voided. That points toward the Raptors trade eventually closing.
• Raptors in limbo. Toronto’s title odds hinge on the ruling. If Kawhi joins Scottie Barnes, the Raptors climb the board. If the deal collapses, their number balloons. That uncertainty is priced in their odds right now.
• 76ers still loaded. LeBron’s arrival in Philly headlined the summer. The Sixers project a superteam starting five. They’re a top-tier East contender if healthy. Their +950 title number reflects the upside and the risk.
• Wemby still the MVP favorite. Victor Wembanyama tops the MVP board at +200. He’s coming off a Finals run in his third season. The market expects another leap. He’s the clear favorite over back-to-back winner SGA.

The Clippers are “fine” with Kawhi Leonard returning if the trade doesn’t go through, per @ramonashelburne

“If this trade doesn't go through, if for some reason Toronto doesn't want to proceed with it until they know the investigation, Clippers are fine with Kawhi Leonard being… pic.twitter.com/CsjBk5nd15

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) August 28, 2026

The Kawhi Leonard investigation, explained

Here’s the situation. The NBA is investigating whether the Clippers circumvented the salary cap. It centers on Kawhi’s endorsement deal with Aspiration, a now-bankrupt company tied to Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. The probe has run for nearly a year.

The fact-finding phase is complete. Reports say the league found no evidence Ballmer funneled money through team sponsors. There’s been no indication Kawhi’s contract will be voided. A mid-September Board of Governors meeting should bring official clarity.

The betting angle is the Raptors trade. Toronto agreed on June 30 to acquire Kawhi for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and picks. Then they put it on hold to avoid the risk of a voided contract or suspension. Once the league clears things, the deal is expected to close.

If it drags into arbitration, this could stretch toward 2027. That would leave Toronto’s roster in limbo into the season. For now, the signs point toward resolution before camp. Watch the mid-September meeting closely.

NBA has found no evidence showing Steve Ballmer funneled money through team sponsors to pay Kawhi Leonard to circumvent the salary cap, per @Baxter, @DVNJr, @ramonashelburne, @ShamsCharania.

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) August 17, 2026

2027 NBA championship odds

The futures board has settled after the summer chaos. The Spurs and Thunder lead the way. The loaded 76ers and champion Knicks follow. Here’s where the title odds sit now.

The Western Favorites are stable. Wemby’s Spurs and SGA’s Thunder are the class of the league. The East is a logjam. The 76ers, Knicks, Celtics, and Raptors all have real cases. That crowded tier is where the value lives.

For a deeper look at who’s favored to win next year’s NBA Championship, check out our NBA odds page.

2027 NBA MVP odds

Wembanyama headlines the MVP market. He led the Spurs to the Finals in his third season. The reigning back-to-back winner, SGA, is right behind. Here’s the current board.

For the full board and season-long tracking, see our NBA MVP betting odds page. It follows every contender as the race unfolds.

Wemby led the charge for France in their FIBA World Cup Qualifier win 🇫🇷

👽 22 PTS
👽 6-10 FGM
👽 9 REB

(via @FIBAWC)pic.twitter.com/NDPi8CB1YA

— NBA (@NBA) August 27, 2026

Wemby at +200 is the favorite for good reason. The only knock is health after a 64-game season. SGA is the safer volume play. Doncic has jumped to third in a fresh Lakers era without LeBron. Jokic is always live at longer odds.

Where we see the futures value

The favorites: safety, little edge. The Thunder and Spurs are priced to their ceiling. The value sits one tier down. Look at the crowded East contenders for better numbers.

76ers at +950: a health gamble. If Embiid and LeBron stay on the floor, that’s a steal. If they miss time, it’s dead money. The highest-variance bet on the board.

Raptors at +2800: a bet on the ruling. This number assumes Kawhi joins. If the trade clears, +2800 could look great. If it collapses, the bet is dead. Only play it if you’re confident the deal closes.

The Philadelphia 76ers' potential lineup with The King now in the fold:

🔔 LEBRON JAMES
🔔 Jaylen Brown
🔔 Joel Embiid
🔔 Tyrese Maxey
🔔 VJ Edgecombe

What's the Sixers' ceiling next season? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/hRi3MdCy6K

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 24, 2026

Betting trends we’re watching this month

Health is the theme. LeBron is 41. Embiid has a long injury history. Kawhi has missed big chunks before. Giannis has also missed a lot of time. Factor durability into any futures bet on these veteran-led teams.

The East got loaded. The Knicks, 76ers, Celtics, Cavs and Heat and a potential Kawhi-led Raptors all have cases. That’s a crowded tier. The conference futures may offer better value than the title market.

Camp buzz moves numbers. Media days and training camp bring fresh injury news and chemistry reports. Those can shift futures fast. Lock in a number now if you love it, or wait for camp intel.

What to watch over the next two weeks

The Kawhi ruling. The mid-September Board of Governors meeting is the big one. A resolution unlocks the Raptors trade and moves Toronto’s odds. This is the single most important event on the NBA calendar right now.

Media days approach. The first teams hold media day on September 23. The Knicks, 76ers, Nets, Pelicans, and Suns go early for international preseason games. Expect roster and injury updates that shape futures.

Training camps open. Camps begin in late September. That’s when chemistry reports and rotation news start flowing. The regular season tips October 20. The market will firm up as real basketball nears.

Previous NBA betting news updates

• [August 31, 2026]: Kawhi investigation nears resolution with no evidence found. Raptors trade awaits a mid-September ruling. Title and MVP odds settle. Camps approach.
• [July 30, 2026]: LeBron signs with the 76ers on a two-year deal. Philly surges to +800 for the title. Wembanyama opens as the 2027 MVP favorite at +200.
• [June 30, 2026]: Free agency opens. LeBron leaves the Lakers. Kawhi trade to the Raptors agreed but later put on hold. Giannis to the Heat. 2027 odds open with Spurs and Thunder as co-favorites.
• [June 15, 2026]: Knicks win the title in 5 games. Brunson wins Finals MVP. 2027 odds open with Spurs and Thunder as co-favorites.
• [June 8, 2026]: Knicks led the Finals 2-1 after stealing both games in San Antonio. Spurs won Game 3 behind Wemby’s 32.
• [June 1, 2026]: Spurs win Game 7 in OKC to reach the Finals. Spurs open as –195 Finals favorites over the Knicks.

Tony Reyes

Tony is a pro sports journalist who dedicates most of his free time to watching the latest matches and games on TV. When he's not participating in sports-related activities or seeing his friends, Tony enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and basketball. In addition to being a sports expert, Tony has extensive knowledge of finances and accou...

Read More About the Author