This may be the most exciting–and important–free agency period in NBA history.
The end is also a new beginning, and the same holds true for sports competitions. Each season ending is full of emotions–ranging from euphoria for the winning team, disappointment from almost making it, and despair for missing out altogether. And NBA basketball is a sport where fans, not just the players, experience those extreme emotions.
Celebrations don’t go on forever, though, and soon enough it’s time to learn from the past and move on to a sunnier future. For the NBA, the free agency period is that time–the second step (after the Draft) when dreams of making it big can actually happen.
With almost half of players open as free agents for the 2019-2020 season, fans and punters can expect a lot of shuffling around before games begin in the fall. Here are some of the latest developments that should be on your radar–particularly if you enjoy the thrill of betting on basketball.
Don’t Forget the Draft
Fresh and young blood is a great addition to any sport and, when combined with the experience of basketball all-stars, it can prove to be a deadly combination. The 2019 draft board is complete, but there is already movement regarding trades, especially when it comes to some of the underdogs of the season. Players like Ty Jerome and Kevin Porter Jr., who have been through trades already, may face more moves. Astute punters should keep these transactions in mind. Trades can affect a player’s psyche. It can go either way–losing faith in their game, which puts them on the downswing, or rising above with a point to prove, which makes them a formidable opponent.
The Big Move
By picking up Anthony Davis for the 2019-2020 season, the LA Lakers have become the favourite to lift the NBA championship trophy next year. Typically, bookmakers hold off on predictions until after the free agency period, but this trade has caused a sudden shift in the betting odds. The Lakers are listed at +250 to win. But before you jump into making any advanced bets, it’s wise to first pick a bookmaker whom you can trust and who will cater to all of your betting needs.
Betfred is amongst the top sports betting websites out there, and you can click here to get the full Betfred review. Make the most of their offers, too, which include free bets and bonuses. You get the backing of an organisation that has mobile betting options and also covers various sports across the board.
Raptors in Despair
Sports Illustrated
The biggest talking point of free agency is the future of Toronto Raptors’ Kawhi Leonard. Kawhi has the player option to shift teams should he want to move back Stateside. Although nothing is final yet–and Leonard might just stick around to defend the title–even the thought of him changing teams has been enough to move the Raptors down in the bookie’s table. Toronto’s odds are now +1000 to win back-to-back.
Furthermore, with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving joining the Nets, things can change for that team, pushing them up from the +2700 odds that bookmakers have them presently. Having said that, I think it would be astute to wait a while, until contracts are final, before making that end call on the team you want to wager on as the winner.
