Sportsbooks Like Knicks Chances to Sign Kevin Durant

The NBA’s offseason, draft and free agency will soon be here. Odds makers believe this offseason could see a big shift in the NBA.

As the NBA playoffs take place, sportsbooks in Vegas have released their 2020 NBA championship futures and the New York Knicks sit at 16 to 1 behind just the Milwaukee Bucks at 9 to 2, Boston Celtics 7 to 1 and Philadelphia 76ers 10 to 1 in the Eastern Conference. The reason for the Knicks opening odds opening so low is the pending free agency of Kevin Durant.

Several odds makers believe Durant will sign with the Knicks this summer and have thus given New York better odds than several other NBA teams. If Durant does not sign with the Knicks or the team’s front office cannot sign another high-profile free agent, New York will likely have odds of 300 to 1 or even higher.

However, if New York is able to sign Durant as well as Boston guard Kyrie Irving, the Knicks would still not have as good odds as those of Milwaukee.

Golden State opened as the 7 to 4 favorite to win the NBA title in 2020, marking the fourth straight season the Warriors have opened as the favorite.

Since Durant signed with the Warriors in 2016, Golden State has been the favorite to win the title. If Golden State is able to keep Durant, their odds will likely drop slightly and of course if he leaves their odds will be shifted higher.

Other high profile free agents include Irving and Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard. In addition, New Orleans star forward Anthony Davis is likely to be wearing a different uniform next season.

New York has the most space under the salary-cap of any NBA team at $73 million. Rumors have put Durant and Irving as the new tandem of stars with the Knicks.

The Los Angeles Clippers have room under the cap for two max contracts and opened with 16 to 1 odds, while the Lakers and Raptors are both at 20 to 1, with Oklahoma City and Denver each at 25 to 1.