Even though DraftKings doesn’t currently have a wager available about Kevin Durant’s next team, the tea leaves are signaling that a trade to the Phoenix Suns is becoming an increasingly likely possibility.
The only ‘Next Team’ prop bet available on DraftKings as of Monday afternoon was on Deandre Ayton. He is a Suns’ restricted free agent, and on Monday morning Ayton’s top two landing spots were Phoenix (+100) and Detroit (+200).
However, just a few hours later, the Brooklyn Nets jumped from +2200 longshots to land Ayton all the way up to +250. In turn, Ayton’s chances of staying with the Suns dropped to +130 and a move to Detroit down to +550.
How does this affect Kevin Durant, you ask?
Well, the reason Ayton would be on his way to Brooklyn could be in a sign-and-trade deal with the Nets for Durant.
(UPDATE: Kyrie Irving is reportedly exercising his player option with the Nets, making it exceedingly likely Durant remains in Brooklyn. Ayton’s next team odds were taken off the board following the news.)
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported on Monday afternoon that Nets ownership was unhappy with the way the 2021-22 season went down and doesn’t want that to happen again.
Nets point guard Kyrie Irving is reportedly angling for a chance to join the Los Angeles Lakers, which could result in Durant deciding to move on as well. The Suns would be able to offer an appetizing package, possibly centering on Ayton and standout wing Mikal Bridges.
The competition for Durant would be fierce, as other teams would assuredly make great offers. But not only would Phoenix have a strong offer, but Durant could also make his feelings known about a destination, which could influence the market.
He has spoken glowingly in the past about Devin Booker, the Suns’ star shooting guard, and the duo played together for Team USA at the Olympics last offseason.
The big change in Ayton’s odds suggest that a move to Brooklyn is much more likely than it was just a few hours prior.
And in turn, they suggest that a Durant trade to Phoenix is picking up steam.
