Posted on: September 28, 2023, 11:55h.
Last updated on: September 28, 2023, 11:55h.
The Milwaukee Bucks are now the favorite to win the 2023-24 NBA championship with odds of +390 after acquiring Damian Lillard in a blockbuster trade.
The trade came as a surprise after the Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat were favored to acquire Lillard.
Before the trade, the Heat were at -250 odds to trade for Lillard, with the Raptors at +400 odds. The Bucks were considered a long shot at +2000 odds. The trade announcement on Wednesday afternoon shocked even the top sportsbooks.
Bucks Secure Lillard in Three-Team Trade
The Trail Blazers initially wanted four first-round draft picks from the Heat to trade Lillard. However, the best offer from the Heat included two first-round picks, Tyler Herro, Nikola Jovic, and Jamie Jaquez.
With an impasse reached with the Heat, the Trail Blazers privately approached the Raptors and Bucks. While the Raptors’ involvement became public, the Bucks managed to keep their negotiations secret.
The Bucks sought the help of the Phoenix Suns to complete a three-way trade for Lillard. The Suns and Trail Blazers were already discussing a trade involving Deandre Ayton.
In exchange for Lillard, the Bucks traded Jrue Holiday, a 2029 first-round pick, and two first-round pick swaps. Grayson Allen was also sent to the Suns.
The Suns traded Ayton and Toumani Camara, while the Trail Blazers sent Jusuf Nurkic, Keon Johnson, and Nassir Little to the Suns to complete the trade.
Bucks’ Betting Odds Improve
The Bucks’ betting odds saw a significant improvement after the Lillard trade.
They are now the consensus favorites at DraftKings to win the NBA championship, with odds jumping from +850 to +400. Currently, their odds stand at +390.
Before the trade, the Bucks were at +330 odds to win the Eastern Conference. This improved to +165 odds after the trade. Their odds of securing the #1 playoff seed also improved, moving from +220 to +125.
The Bucks have dominated the Central Division, winning five consecutive titles. Before the Lillard trade, they were heavily favored at -230 odds. Currently, their divisional odds are -380.
The Bucks’ season win total also increased from 52.5 over/under to 55.5 o/u.
After acquiring Bradley Beal, the Suns’ championship odds were +650. However, with the Ayton trade and the addition of Nurkic and key role players in the Lillard trade, their odds now stand at +600.
The Heat’s championship odds dropped from +900 to +2800 after missing out on Lillard and failing to make a trade.
Bucks Go All-In to Retain Giannis “Greek Freak” Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo made it clear that the Bucks must demonstrate a commitment to winning another championship before he signs a contract extension. Several teams, including the Knicks, Heat, Warriors, and Mavericks, were vying to acquire the two-time MVP.
The Bucks won the NBA title in the 2020-21 season but failed to repeat in the 2022 playoffs due to Khris Middleton’s injury. They secured the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference last season, but were upset by the #8 Heat in the first round. Antetokounmpo also missed time in that series due to a back injury.
After firing head coach Mike Budenholzer, the Bucks hired Adrian Griffin as head coach, with Terry Stotts joining the coaching staff. The Bucks aimed to improve their half-court offense and perimeter shooting with the addition of Lillard, sacrificing Holiday’s defense.
The Trail Blazers have intentions to trade Holiday, with several teams expressing interest, including the Heat, Celtics, 76ers, Clippers, Pacers, and Knicks.