'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Milwaukee Bucks have acquired Damian Lillard in a blockbuster move, which has now significantly put them ahead in the oddsmakers' books as title contenders. The Bucks are now +375 favorites to win the 2023-24 championship.
Here's how the odds for the top 5 teams, as per Caesars Sportsbook, look following Lillard's sensational trade to Milwaukee:
Bucks +375
Nuggets +425
Celtics +500
Suns +550
Warriors +1000
These odds mean that a $1000 bet on the Bucks to win it all could yield a profit of $3750. The Bucks weren't in the top two until the Lillard trade. The Nuggets and Celtics were the oddsmakers' favorites, but that all changes now.
The combination of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard has put the league on notice, giving the Bucks the undisputable push to become NBA champions for the second time in three years.
Milwaukee Bucks stun the NBA after emerging as winners in Damian Lillard sweepstakes
The Bucks acted quickly on the trade unlike other rival suitors like the Miami Heat, Lillard's preferred destination, and the Toronto Raptors, the rumored frontrunners to land him the last couple of days. ESPN's Marc J. Spears reported the Bucks' interest in Lillard only a day ago.
Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed the trade on Wednesday, September 26th, sending the NBA world into a frenzy. The Bucks were a legitimate contender even without Lillard. They had a deep roster and the core, including Jrue Holiday, had yielded a championship run just two years ago.
Also read: Jrue Holiday contract: Exploring former Bucks star's deal details
Holiday was integral to their system as their best perimeter defender. He was also a potent scorer and playmaker as the team's lead point guard, who could operate without the ball in his hands. Holiday also recently claimed he wanted to retire with the Bucks. These factors made this trade even more surprising to NBA fans.
The Bucks have lost significant depth with the departure of Grayson Allen with Holiday. However, trading for Damian Lillard was a golden opportunity and one they had to capitalize on, especially to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy.
Giannis has been non-commital to extending his run with the Bucks after his current contract ends. However, after seeing the team go all out by adding Lillard, he could be convinced that the franchise is willing to contend for a title every season.
