WHILE there are plenty of critics questioning the Phoenix Suns’ reported trade for Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards, oddsmakers are applauding the move.
Beal, who turns 30 this month, is reportedly heading to Phoenix along with forward Isaiah Todd and guard Jordan Goodwin. In return, the Suns will trade point guard Chris Paul to Washington, shooting guard Landry Shamet and multiple second-round draft picks and pick swaps.
The Suns’ odds to win the 2024 NBA title shortened from +850 to +650 at DraftKings, where Phoenix is now being offered third behind the champion Denver Nuggets (+475) and the Boston Celtics (+550). The Suns also shifted from +450 to +350 to win the Western Conference title, behind only the Nuggets at +250.
The movement was similar although not as significant at BetMGM, which told Field Level Media that Phoenix’s title odds shortened from +700 to +650 following the trade news and from +375 to +350 to win the Western Conference. The Suns are the fourth NBA title favorites at the book behind the Nuggets (+500), Celtics (+550) and Milwaukee Bucks (+600).
Meanwhile, the Wizards are tied for the longest title shots at DraftKings, which is offering Washington at +60000 along with the Charlotte Hornets and Detroit Pistons. The Wizards are +25000 at BetMGM, where they are still ahead of the Hornets and Pistons at +50000.
Washington is expected to embark on a full roster overhaul, including flipping Paul to another contender.
Beal played in just 50 games (all starts) last season. He averaged 23.2 points, 5.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game and shot 36.5 percent from 3-point range. Injuries and multiple stays on the COVID-19 reserve list have limited Beal to just 90 games over the past two seasons. — Field Level Media
