The Milwaukee Bucks’ acquisition of Portland Trail Blazers All-Star Damian Lillard in a trade also involving the Phoenix Suns served to shake up the NBA futures betting landscape.
The Bucks, who had been third or fourth among teams with the best chance to win the 2023-24 championship, moved to the top of the list at most sportsbooks.
BetMGM, which had the Bucks tied for third at +650 with the Suns prior to the trade, moved Milwaukee to +400 Wednesday afternoon. The defending champion Denver Nuggets are now second at +475 with the Boston Celtics third at +500.
Phoenix, at +650 before the trade, remained at that number when the new odds were released. Following the Suns were the Lakers (+1200) and the Golden State Warriors (+1400).
DraftKings moved the Bucks from +850 to +400 favorites with the Nuggets (+475), Celtics (+500) and Suns (+650) next. Later Wednesday afternoon, the Bucks moved to +390 at DraftKings.
At PointsBet, the Bucks are at the top with +400 odds. The Suns remained at +700 while Portland moved from +15000 to +20000.
The Miami Heat, who had been strongly in contention to acquire Lillard, fell from +1000 to +3000 at BetMGM and +2800 at DraftKings.
In the trade, according to multiple reports, Milwaukee acquired Lillard while the Suns received Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson.
The Blazers receive Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, rookie Toumani Camara, the Bucks’ 2029 unprotected first-round draft choice along with unprotected Milwaukee swap rights in 2028 and 2030. The Blazers are expected to trade Holiday.
–Field Level Media