At the onset of free agency, Chris Paul told the Suns that he would test the market. Paul’s age, 36, was part of a complication to any long-term deal. Over-38 is the financial consideration that led Paul back to Phoenix. Now the big question for NBA bets is where Kawhi Leonard ends up. Leonard is expected to emulate Paul and return to his current team (LA Clippers). But the two-time NBA Finals MVP will generate the most interest of any free agent this summer. Any club interested is going to have to juggle their books in a major way.
2021 NBA Free Agency and 2022 Championship Odds
2022 NBA Championship Odds at SBG
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Brooklyn Nets | +240 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | +400 |
| Golden State Warriors | +900 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | +900 |
| Phoenix Suns | +1500 |
| Utah Jazz | +1600 |
| LA Clippers | +1600 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | +1600 |
| Denver Nuggets | +2200 |
| Miami Heat | +2500 |
| Dallas Mavericks | +3000 |
| Atlanta Hawks | +3500 |
| Boston Celtics | +4000 |
| Portland Trail Blazers | +5000 |
| All Other Teams | +6600 or higher |
Kawhi Leonard Next Team Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| LA Clippers | -250 |
| New York Knicks | +300 |
| Dallas Mavericks | +400 |
| Miami Heat | +500 |
| Toronto Raptors | +700 |
| Golden State Warriors | +750 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | +800 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | +1200 |
| Washington Wizards | +2500 |
2021-22 NBA Free Agency and Futures Odds SBG Odds overview
Despite winning the NBA championship, the Bucks are not expected to repeat. Most gamblers believe that Milwaukee benefited from a war of attrition in the 2021 NBA Playoffs. While the Bucks earned sportsbook respect for their championship, bettors don’t see sustainability. Namely, the Nets and Lakers have all of the star power. But futures bets on Brooklyn and Los Angeles come with a caveat. Both clubs must stay healthy in the 2022 NBA Playoffs to potentially pay off. As we saw in the recently completed postseason shorthanded overlays are not good for bankrolls.
Kawhi’s Complicated Future
To begin with, gamblers must consider the torn ACL issue for Kawhi Leonard. There is no guarantee that Leonard will play next season. Leonard has the option to sign for one year at $36 million to remain with the Clippers. Subsequently, he could re-sign one year from now at a more favorable deal for both parties.
In like manner to the Nets and Kevin Durant, Leonard could sign with the understanding of taking a year off. LA would likely be willing to consider such an arrangement. Leonard’s arrival to the Clippers gave them much needed gravitas in their marketplace
Suns Rise for Paul
Phoenix is coming off an epic playoff run that jumpstarted their franchise. Thus, finding a way to keep Chris Paul was a mandatory exercise. Paul’s age is a concern. But an even greater worry is life without him. Phoenix doesn’t want to break what doesn’t need fixing. Paul got $120 million to play four more years in the Valley of the Sun.
Conley Likes Sweet Music of Jazz
Mike Conley signed a $68 million deal to stay with Utah. Of course, Conley is the All-Star point guard that quarterbacks the Jazz. Utah felt that a risk of the NBA luxury tax was worth keeping Conley in the fold.
2021-22 NBA Free Agency and Futures Odds SBG Picks
Although there is more NBA Bets news to come, gamblers should be careful of overlays. Thus, the Nets and Lakers should be avoided.
2022 NBA Championship SBG Best Bet: Nets and Lakers to NOT win NBA championship.