The Suns' 2024 NBA title odds just slightly improved after trading Chris Paul for Bradley Beal
The Phoenix Suns pulled off a big trade Sunday, sending – per multiple reports – future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, second-round picks and pick swaps to the Washington Wizards for Bradley Beal.
It brings the Beal era to an end in Washington, giving the Wizards a pile of somewhat-decent assets for their three-time All-Star guard. Beal had been with the Wizards since the team drafted him with the third overall pick out of Florida in 2012, and the 29-year-old helped the club make five playoff appearances.
Only time will tell us if the trade is good one or not, but early feedback points to oddsmakers not being overly impressed in terms of Beal improving the Suns’ chances at winning an NBA title.
After the deal was reported Sunday, the Suns’ title odds for 2024 improved just slightly, from +700 to +650.
The Suns' odds to win the NBA Title BEFORE acquiring Bradley Beal: +700
The Suns' odds to win the NBA Title AFTER acquiring Bradley Beal: +650 pic.twitter.com/EWZ6csrKov
— BetMGM (@BetMGM) June 18, 2023
Other sportsbooks gave the Suns just a bit more of an uptick.
Updated 2023-24 NBA title odds at @DKSportsbook after Bradley Beal deal:
Nuggets +475
Celtics +550
Suns +600
Bucks +700
Lakers 12-1
76ers, Warriors 13-1
Heat 16-1
Clippers 18-1
Mavs 20-1
Grizzles 22-1
Cavs 25-1
…
Hornets 600-1— Ben Fawkes (@BFawkes22) June 18, 2023
The Phoenix Suns' NBA title odds moved from +900 to +575 after trading for Bradley Beal pic.twitter.com/9jv7pGRbit
— Caesars Sportsbook (@CaesarsSports) June 18, 2023
The Suns still have work to do in the draft and free agency if they want to end their 55-year title drought. While Beal will be a nice complement to Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, the team will need to find a true point guard to fill Paul’s shoes in the starting lineup. And then, it’ll be up to new head coach Frank Vogel to make all the pieces fit – a task easier said than done.
And of course, in the West next year, the Suns will still have to contend with a Nikola Jokic-powered Nuggets’ team eager to repeat and a Warriors’ squad aiming to get back on top.