Celtics 15/2 Following Irving Trade
After acquiring Kyrie Irving from the Cavaliers, are the Celtics listed among the NBA Finals favorites for 2018?
The Celtics acquired Iriving, an All-Star point guard, from the Cavaliers in exchange for point guard Isaiah Thomas, forward Jae Crowder, center Ante Zizic and Brooklyn’s 2018 unprotected first-round pick.
Irving, 25, had requested a trade during a July meeting with Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert. It was reported that Irving wanted to be more of a focal point after playing in LeBron James’ shadow over the last few years. Now Irving can run the show for a young, talented Boston team.
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According to oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, the Celtics are now 15/2 to win the NBA Finals championship after acquiring Irving on Tuesday night. Boston opened as a 25/1 long shot to win the NBA Finals after the Warriors finished off the Cavs last season, but the Celtics moved to 10/1 before acquiring Irving.
Speaking of Golden State, the Warriors are -160 money line favorites to repeat as NBA Finals champions this upcoming season. The Cavs have the next-best odds to win a championship at 9/2, followed by the Celtics at 15/2 and the Rockets at 9/1. The Spurs, meanwhile, are 12/1, while the Thunder and Timberwolves are 25/1, respectively.
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Irving has three years and $60 million left on his current contract but he can opt out of the final year before the 2019-20 season. Thomas, meanwhile, is a free agent after the season and with LeBron likely to leave Cleveland after the 2017-18 season, the Cavs could have trouble re-signing Thomas following the season.