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Where Will Kevin Durant Play Next Season? Top NBA Trade Picks

Jon Metler

Last Updated: July 4, 2022 12:53 PM EDT • 1 min 56 sec read.

(FILES) In this file photo taken on April 25, 2022, Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets takes the ball during Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Elsa/Getty Images/AFP - Durant issued a cryptic tweet on July 2, 2022, in his first public comment since it was revealed he has asked to be traded from the NBA's Brooklyn Nets. The two-time NBA champion and 2014 NBA Most Valuable Player sent a shockwave through free agency with reports June 30 he wanted to leave the Nets, with Phoenix and Miami his preferred trade destinations. (Photo by ELSA / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)

After spending three seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, Kevin Durant recently requested a trade. This article analyzes the odds posted by DraftKings Sportsbook as to where Durant will play next season, along with our top picks.

In three seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant played only 44 games together. A disappointing first-round sweep at the hands of the Boston Celtics in the 2021-22 playoffs has led Durant to request a trade from the Nets, and DraftKings is providing odds on where he will play next season.

https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1542590235971932160

Odds to Land Kevin Durant

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Favorite: Suns (-140)

The Phoenix Suns opened as favorites in the market and they remain in that position. Even though the Suns have been the favorites throughout the entire process, their price has begun to lengthen.

There was a time when the Suns were as short as -250 at DraftKings, and now they are trading at -140, primarily due to the increased pressure from the Toronto Raptors' odds to acquire Durant.

Even though -140 is not the juicy price one would hope to hit in this market, I believe it to be the best bet. While I did not love the price at -250, I have decided to take advantage of the price at -140.

https://twitter.com/SarahKezele/status/1542832588770852865

In my opinion, the Nets are seeking to work out a deal with the Suns, which is why we have not heard much about Deandre Ayton in NBA free agency.

Contender: Raptors (+250)

After opening at +3300, the Raptors have seen their odds adjust all the way down to +250 to acquire Durant. As far as the Raptors are concerned, they have the pieces necessary to land Durant in Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, and OG Anunoby, but are they willing to part with any of them in order to do so?

There has been a dramatic change in the odds for the Raptors to win the 2022-23 NBA Championship, moving from +6000 to as low as +2500 at DraftKings.

https://twitter.com/Sid_Seixeiro/status/1543582569706446848

Personally, I would avoid betting on the Raptors' NBA Championship odds, as they continue to decrease. If they fail to land Durant, they will be re-adjusted to +6000, and a +2500 ticket will be of no value.

The Raptors are not like the Suns, who are still among next season's favorites even if they do not land Durant.

Darkhorse: Trail Blazers (+1200)

The Portland Trail Blazers should reward point guard Damian Lillard for his loyalty to the franchise by doing whatever it takes to acquire Durant. A few days before Durant requested a trade, Lillard posted an altered photo with the Nets star, leading me to believe that they discussed playing together.

Considering the Trail Blazers are +1200 and have young players to trade such as Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe, I think they are more in the mix than the price point suggests.

https://twitter.com/ClutchPointsApp/status/1540790591402803201

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Written By:
Jon Metler
Jon Metler is a Sports Betting Analyst at SportsbookReview.com. Having played, coached, and officiated basketball, he immediately turned his attention to the NBA and College Basketball when he entered the sports betting space. Sports betting has been a part of his life for over 13 years, and he specializes in futures markets and player props, particularly in the NBA. In pursuit of value, he keeps a close eye on movements in the betting markets. He believes strongly in analytics and staying ahead of the curve; let the numbers do the talking. A graduate of the University of Windsor with a degree in Sports Studies, Jon enjoys spending time with his dogs when he isn't watching basketball.