How Trade Rumours Will Affect NBA Championship Betting

With the NBA's trade deadline of February 8th fast approaching, the current rosters of NBA franchises are under scrutiny. This is the last opportunity for General Managers to address any potential weaknesses or replace injured players in a final bid for the playoffs.

Sports fans have been betting on NBA matches and the potential championship winner in their droves this year. Alterations to team rosters could impact how teams perform in the second half of the season and some fans may even find better value in teams not fancied by betting operators before the trade deadline.

The Boston Celtics are the current favorites, with the Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Philadelphia 78ers not far behind. But there are still a lot of matches to go and a change in form could push one of the outsiders into contention.

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Many will want to wait until the trade deadline before placing their bets, but gambling on potential rumors could result in bettors getting better odds before the bookmakers make changes. Below you will find some of the hottest transfer rumors that could take place before the deadline.

Boston Celtics

Starting off with the current favorites and it is unlikely we will see much in the way of transfer action. One of the main reasons they aren't likely to trade heavily before the deadline is they are already at their cap which limits potential activity.

Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets are another franchise whose roster is relatively secure. The addition of further frontcourt options could see some action, and a move for veteran power forward PJ Tucker could be on the cards.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks are likely to strengthen the defensive wing position and Bobby Portis could be on his way out as his $12.6 million contract only has a season left to run.

Pat Connaughton is another name that has been linked with a move from the Bucks with summer transfer talks surrounding a trade for the Pacers' Buddy Hield not amounting to anything.

Los Angeles Clippers

The bookmakers' favorites for the 2023/24 NBA Championship are set to be relatively quiet in the transfer market, and the Clippers are no different. Rumors of PJ Tucker moving on to another team persist, but the Clippers are unlikely to let him strengthen one of their main rivals.

Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers could be one of the most active top teams as they look for a star player. Their need for a two-way player could limit their interest in the Bulls' Zach LaVine though.

Of the players most likely to move on, Tobias Harris's name is the one that pops up the most. With expiring contracts amounting to $103 million, the 76ers will definitely be in for a starter, if not before this trade window closes, then in the summer.

Phoenix Suns

The Suns are another team locked in by existing contracts and potential moves for Nasir Little, Grayson Allen, and Jusuf Nurkic could free up some contract capital to deal in the market.

Los Angeles Lakers

Expectations were high for the Lakers heading into this trade window following sub-par performances on the court. A misfiring frontline has seen them linked with point producers including Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan, and a potential move for Dejounte Murray has stalled.

If the Lakers move for a star, it is likely that Austin Reaves would have to be part of the deal. This seems to have been the sticking point in the Murray deal with the Lakers keen to hold on to Reaves.

They may be more open to deals involving Rui Hachimura or D'Angelo Russell, but there doesn't appear to be much market interest in the pair.

Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic are currently blessed with two youthful stars in Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, and a potential move for the Portland Trail Blazers' 24-year-old shooting guard Anfernee Simons.

This could make the Magic a formidable proposition for the foreseeable future, and also improve their outsider status for the playoffs this year.