Who are the favorites to win NBA title?
After a rapid-fire day of free agency Sunday, the road to the NBA title looks a little different heading into next season. Who are some of the favorites to win the championship for the 2019-20 campaign?
According to oddsmakers, the Los Angeles Lakers are the current favorites to win the 2020 NBA title as they come in with 9/2 odds. The Milwaukee Bucks have the next-best odds at 8/1, while the reigning NBA champion Toronto Raptors are at 15/2. The Los Angeles Clippers are at 17/2, while the Golden State Warriors are at 12/1. Three teams – the Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia 76ers and Houston Rockets – have 15/1 odds. Check out our NBA Future Odds Page for a full breakdown.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers shook up the free agency scene early when they announced the trade for superstar Anthony Davis in a deal that sent Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram to the Pelicans. Los Angeles also made another deal with the Wizards to clear cap space in order to sign another max contract player to pair with Davis and LeBron James. There is a lot of interest in Kawhi Leonard for obvious reasons, but he might be leaning elsewhere. Reports say LA is going after Andre Iguodala after he was let go by the Grizzlies following a trade from Golden State. Los Angeles has some question marks, but with two superstars plus Kyle Kuzma they should be amongst the favorites in the West.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks saw key guard Malcolm Brogdon sign with the Pacers but made three other key moves to keep the rest of their roster intact as they agreed to deals with Khris Middleton, Brooks Lopez and George Hill. Milwaukee was awesome during the regular season this past season with league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way and if Toronto loses Leonard, expect the Bucks to be the clear favorite in the East.
Toronto
If Toronto does lose Leonard to free agency, expect its title odds to plummet. There will still be a nice core with veteran guard Kyle Lowry, versatile forward Pascal Siakim and center Marc Gasol but the loss of Leonard would do a number on their chances. Of course, if Leonard does return it will be a huge boost in Toronto’s efforts to repeat.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers were one of the NBA’s biggest surprises last season and are a frontrunner to sign Leonard, which would catapult them up the West standings. Their title odds hinge on Leonard, but with the core they have this looks like a playoff team again next season regardless.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors lost Kevin Durant officially last night as he signed a max deal with the Brooklyn Nets, but he would have been out all next season anyway. With sharpshooter Klay Thompson also out, the year hinges on Steph Curry and Draymond Green leading the charge. But Golden State might not be done as it traded for D’Angelo Russell Sunday night and could be looking to make another deal involving him. Trading Iguodala hurts too, but it frees some money for another player.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers are going to be an intriguing team to watch next season as they added Al Horford to pair inside with Joel Embiid, while also inking Tobias Harris to a long-term deal. But losing Jimmy Butler and J.J. Redick will have an impact, leaving them without a gritty team leader who can do a bit of everything in Butler and one of the league’s best long-range shooters in Redick. Philadelphia must find a long-range shooter or two to space the floor for their bigs plus Ben Simmons.