NBA Power Rankings Based on Odds (Kevin Durant's Trade Request, Free Agency Change Scope of League)
By Peter Dewey
The NBA offseason always promises drama and man oh man, it has this year delivered.
Kevin Durant requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets just hours before free agency began, leading to an all-out frenzy across the league. The odds to win the NBA Finals at WynnBET have shifted drastically with KD's next destination in mind, but he's not the only big domino to fall in free agency.
Rudy Gobert was traded for a massive haul of draft capital to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Zach LaVine and Bradley Beal returned to their respective teams and Dejounte Murray was dealt to the Atlanta Hawks.
What a week!
Let's jump into our latest Power Rankings in the NBA after a wild week of free agency:
1. Golden State Warriors (+600)
The defending champs may have lost Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr. in free agency, but they added guard Donte DiVincenzo on a value deal to help mitigate those losses. The Warriors are the favorite in my eyes until we see where Durant lands.
2. Milwaukee Bucks (+700)
The good news for the Bucks? Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving could both be out of the East next season. Milwaukee didn't make a major splash in free agency, but it doesn't need to if Khris Middleton is healthy next season.
3. Boston Celtics (+600)
The Celtics made a HUGE trade, acquiring guard Malcolm Brogdon for bench players and one first-round pick. The C's are also expected to add Danilo Gallinari, improving their depth in a big way from last season.
4. Los Angeles Clippers (+650)
The Clippers brought in John Wall and retained Nic Batum and Amir Coffey in free agency. Maybe they try to get in on the Durant sweepstakes, but regardless this team is solid as long as Kawhi Leonard an Paul George can stay on the floor.
5. Phoenix Suns (+550)
Phoenix is the favorite to win the title, mainly because it is one of Durant's preferred destinations. The Suns are going to need Deandre Ayton to make a deal, which is interesting since he is still a free agent and could sign an offer sheet anywhere to force the Suns' hand.
6. Miami Heat (+1000)
The Heat are the other preferred destination for Durant, and their rookie Nikola Jovic has been balling in the Summer League. I don't think Miami has enough to get a Durant deal done, but bringing back Victor Oladipo should help their depth if the Heat do make a trade.
7. Denver Nuggets (+2000)
I didn't love the Nuggets trading Will Barton and Monte Morris, but they made a nice move for Bruce Brown in free agency.
8. Dallas Mavericks (+2000)
Jalen Brunson is a New York Knick, but the Mavs did address their issue at center by signing JaVale McGee. Tim Hardaway Jr.'s return from a foot injury will be big for this team in the 2022-23 campaign.
9. Philadelphia 76ers (+1200)
I think it's safe to say the Sixers won the James Harden trade. P.J. Tucker should be a solid defensive addition for Philly in 2022.
10. Memphis Grizzlies (+2000)
Memphis extended Ja Morant and brought back guard Tyus Jones in free agency. That's a win even though their championship odds have dropped from +1500 to +2000.
11. Atlanta Hawks (+4500)
I love the Hawks taking a chance and trading for Dejounte Murray. He and Trae Young should be fun to watch in the 2022-23 season.
12. Los Angeles Lakers (+1000)
LeBron James and Anthony Davis are getting some new faces this offseason, but the biggest would be if they could trade for Kyrie Irving.
13. Minnesota Timberwolves (+3500)
The Wolves are trying something, and I'm going to give them credit for that. However, they gave up a ton for Rudy Gobert.
14. New Orleans Pelicans (+4000)
The Pelicans don't need to make many moves, but they locked in Zion Williamson with a long-term extension.
15. Toronto Raptors (+2000)
The Raptors' odds have shot up to +2000 with the possibility they could trade for Durant. I wouldn't put it past them after they traded for Kawhi Leonard a few year's back.
16. Chicago Bulls (+4500)
The Bulls brought back Zach LaVine and added Goran Dragic to improve their point guard depth. They should be a playoff team again.
17. Brooklyn Nets (+2000)
The Nets are in shambles, as Durant and Irving will likely be elsewhere in the 2022-23 season. They'll get a huge haul for Durant, but I'm not sure they're guaranteed to be a playoff team this season.
18. New York Knicks (+10000)
The Knicks got their guy. Jalen Brunson is a New York Knick and the team unloaded some veterans to give more playing time to young guns like Quentin Grimes, Immanuel Quickley and others.
19. Cleveland Cavaliers (+10000)
The Cavaliers have extended Darius Garland and signed vets Robin Lopez, Raul Neto an Ricky Rubio in free agency. Not bad at all. Could Collin Sexton be next?
20. Charlotte Hornets (+7500)
Charlotte is expected to renounce its rights to Miles Bridges after he was arrested for felony domestic violence. The Hornets will need some players to step up, but good on them for not enabling Bridges' horrific actions.
21. Detroit Pistons (+25000)
The Pistons brought back Marvin Bagley to their already impressive young core. They could be a frisky team in the East this season.
22. Portland Trail Blazers (+7500)
The Blazers brought back Anfernee Simons and Jusuf Nurkic and added Gary Payton II. Still, this roster looks like a borderline playoff team unless Damian Lillard has another gear to reach.
23. Utah Jazz (+10000)
The Jazz started Phase 1 of their rebuild, or so it seems, by dealing Gobert for a boatload of picks and young talent. If Donovan Mitchell is next, the Jazz may be the worst team in the NBA in the 2022-23 season.
24. Washington Wizards (+50000)
The Wizards have some tough odds, but after bringing back Bradley Beal, they also dealt for guards Will Barton and Monte Morris. They should make a push for the play-in this season.
25. Sacramento Kings (+50000)
Keegan Murray has looked solid in Summer League, but the Kings are in danger of running back a very similar team (plus Malik Monk) as last year.
26. Oklahoma City Thunder (+50000)
Chet Holmgren looked the part in his first Summer League action, and the Thunder locked up Lu Dort for the long term. That's a solid start to the offseason for Sam Presti's squad.
27. San Antonio Spurs (+25000)
The Spurs traded away their best player and look poised to tank this season for a shot at French phenom Victor Wembanyama.
28. Orlando Magic (+50000)
The Magic surprisingly brought back Mo Bamba, but it gives them a ton of frontcourt depth entering the 2022-23 season.
29. Indiana Pacers (+50000)
The Pacers are in full tank mode after trading Brogdon, and they may move Myles Turner next. The No. 1 pick could be in Indiana next season.
30. Houston Rockets (+50000)
The rebuilding Rockets have a lot to look forward to with their draft picks even though they haven't done much in free agency.
Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.