NBA Free Agent Odds: Predicting New Teams for the Biggest Stars

As the NBA enters the offseason, the fun is just beginning. Betting odds on NBA games is so yesterday. Now it’s time to predict where this Offseason’s superstars are headed. The online sportsbook is offering NBA Free Agent odds on the likes of Kyrie Irving and Bradley Beal with others to come (potentially). Every year at least one big-name seems to change zip codes. So who will it be this 2022?

Landing Spots for the Offseason’s Superstars

There are over a dozen notable NBA free agents 2022 but most of us only care about the big names; the Kyrie Irvings and Bradley Beal’s of the world. Specifically, many of these superstars still have player options so they can opt-in (if they haven’t yet) and stay with their current team. But that’s no fun. That’s why NBA free agent odds only include potential trade destinations. So let the speculation begin.

Kyrie Irving

Irving’s name is persistently in the NBA trade rumor mill but something could finally come out of it. The mercurial point guard is at an “impasse” with Brooklyn on a contract extension. We don’t blame the Nets as Irving has played just 103 games since signing a 4-year $136.4 million deal in 2019. If he’s “healthy”, Irving plays must-see basketball. But that’s a big “if”.

The seven-time All-Star is now linked to a slew of teams with the usual suspects; the Los Angeles teams and New York being the favorites to land him. Reuniting with LeBron James and off to the Lakers seems like Irving’s most attractive option but the Lakers will have to deal with Russell Westbrook’s contract first. The Miami Heat, listed at 9-1, is also a dark horse in the bidding to acquire Irving’s services.

Bradley Beal

Beal is another superstar whose name has been floated in rumors for close to three years now. The Wizards are going nowhere and Beal, who is in his prime at 28 years old, could use a change of scenery. A team like the Boston Celtics is favored to acquire him. The NBA Free Agent odds have the Celtics listed at 3-1 if he pushes Washington to make a deal.

Boston is an ideal fit for several reasons mainly because his childhood friend Jayson Tatum is on the team and the Celtics are just fresh off an NBA Finals appearance. Adding Beal could be what pushes this team to finally win a title. Other teams in the mix include Miami, the Lakers, and Dallas.

Russell Westbrook

Like Irving, Westbrook is another superstar guard who does not appear wanted on his team – but for a different reason, he is a terrible fit. The former MVP was acquired last offseason and coincidentally, the Lakers’ season went down the drain. They went from a title contender to not making the playoffs as they finished with their fewest wins since the 2016-17 season.

Swapping Westbrook for Irving seems like a sound idea but his old team, Oklahoma City Thunder, is favored to acquire him. The Thunder have the cap space and the assets to deal for Westbrook but why would they do it? Indiana is another team with whom Westbrook could be with for the NBA next season. They too have the assets. Charlotte is another team to watch as they have been linked to Westbrook since the NBA Trade Deadline.

Rudy Gobert Donovan Mitchell

Gobert and Mitchell are not pending free agents but the two could be dealt with this offseason. The Utah Jazz had another disappointing postseason, which culminated in the departure of coach Quin Snyder. Mitchell expressed “disappointment” in Snyder’s resignation. He was a critical figure in his decision to sign an extension with Utah. Miami and New York have emerged as favorites to acquire Mitchell if he does leave.

As for Gobert, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year is a trickier asset to move. Teams like Toronto and Dallas, who are both favored per the betting odds, desperately need a center; however, Dallas just made a deal for forwarding Christian Wood while word from Toronto is that Utah’s asking price is too steep.