The Phoenix Suns entered the 2020-21 season as +4000 longshots to win the NBA title. But because of Chris Paul’s addition and the emergence of Devin Booker as one of the top perimeter players in the league, Phoenix's odds fell all the way to –500 when the Suns had a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals.
Still, it wasn’t enough as the Milwaukee Bucks rallied to win four straight games to claim the franchise’s first NBA championship in 50 years.
It didn’t take Arizona betting apps long to post next season’s title odds for each team, and this time, the Suns are getting more respect.
At DraftKings AZ Sportsbook, Phoenix is tied for the fourth-best odds to win it all at +1300. Only the Brooklyn Nets (+200), Los Angeles Lakers (+525) and the Bucks (+900) have better odds. The Golden State Warriors are the other team tied with the Suns at +1300.
Will Chris Paul return?
One of the biggest AZ NBA betting questions for this offseason is what will happen with Paul.
In Game 6, he had 26 points, five assists and two rebounds. He was steady throughout the postseason, averaging 19.2 points, 8.6 assists and 3.5 rebounds while providing the type of veteran presence the Suns lacked in recent years.
Despite being 36-years old and a 16-year NBA veteran, Paul made it clear he has no plans to hang it up.
“I ain't retiring, if that's what you're asking,” Paul told reporters after the 105-98 Game 6 loss. “That's out. So, back to work."
Paul has a $44.2 million player option for 2021-22. The other likely option is he elects to become a free agent to land a multiyear deal worth nearly $60 million. But after the loss, he wasn’t giving his future much thought.
“I think everything will take care of itself,” he told reporters after the game.
Devin Booker MVP Odds
If there was any consolation for the Suns coming up short, it was Booker solidifying himself as one of the top perimeter players in the league. Booker averaged 28.2 points, four assists and three rebounds during the Finals and had two memorable performances.
In Game 4, he recorded 42 points, converting on 61% of his shot attempts. In Game 5, he scored 40 points on 52% shooting.
Oddsmakers see Booker as one of the top contenders for the MVP award next season. Booker is +1800 to win MVP, which is tied for Atlanta’s Trae Young for the ninth-best odds to win the award.
Dallas Mavericks Luka Doncic is the favorite at +400 and is followed by Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid (+700), Brooklyn’s Kevin Durant (+700), Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo (+800) and Golden State’s Stephen Curry (+800).
Other notable leading MVP candidates include Los Angeles’ LeBron James (+1100) and reigning MVP, Denver’s Nikola Jokic (+1500).
