With the Knicks still basking in the glow of their first NBA Championship in 53 years and final preparations being made for the parade through the Canyon of Heroes, the rest of the NBA is pointing towards next season…and we should do the same with a look at the Futures market.
Lets take a quick look at the NBA Futures Market at DraftKings and the favorites, the contenders, and an intriguing long shot to consider in 2027.
2027 NBA Favorites
San Antonio Spurs (+250)
That is a long time to lock up your money for such short odds. There is no denying the talented core of the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper are young but look like a force that should be even better in 2027. As an aside, not sure if a year will be long enough for Wemby to grow up and grasp the concept of sportsmanship. The face of the global NBA needs to be better than what he showed this past month.
Oklahoma City Thunder (+260)
We again must acknowledge it’s a long time to lock up your money for such short odds amidst so many question marks. Top of that heap of unknowns: Was a lack of healthy bodies what cost Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and co.? Even if it was, will Jalen Williams’ hamstring be able to withstand a full season of wear and tear (pun intended) in 2027? In addition, does this team have a Chet Holmgren problem?
Boston Celtics (+550)
What will a full season of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum look like? If they do not trade for Giannis, where will Jaylen Brown end up? It is obvious he and the Celtics are getting divorced. After overachieving during the regular season without Tatum (Achilles), the Celtics struggled to fit the pieces together once Tatum returned. Will Brown departing be addition by subtraction or merely help with the management of Boston’s salary cap?
New York Knicks (+650)
No doubt Jalen Brunson will have this likable bunch ready to defend their title and they will have players wanting to join the fun, but the last eight NBA champs have failed to repeat. That said, the Finals MVP has proven doubters wrong time and again, who’s to say he won’t do it again in 2027.
2027 NBA Contenders
Los Angeles Lakers (+2800)
Any team with Luka Doncic will have a distinct opportunity to win an NBA Championship. In addition, gotta believe Year 1 of Team Luka (minus LeBron?) will look and play a bit different than they did this past season. In the end, can Doncic finish the season healthy enough to make a run in the postseason?
Indiana Pacers (+2800)
This team is intriguing. Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) expects to be ready to start the season. Their Big 3 – Halliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Ivica Zubac – should be able to compete with any Big 3 in at least the East. The lineup that reached Game 7 of the Finals in 2026 was not as good as the 2026-27 roster. But will that be enough? Rick Carlisle is one of the Association’s best coaches. He’ll need to work his magic to get the most out of the supporting cast if they hope to get over the top.
Denver Nuggets (+2800)
Nikola Jokic is still arguably the Association’s best player, but his supporting cast is truly lacking. The roster as is can’t compete with the best teams. It is a fragile bunch that combines to offer missed time due to injury and salary cap issues. The front office will have to get creative to give Jokic a realistic chance to truly compete for another title.
Minnesota Timberwolves (+3000)
Anthony Edwards is elite, and this team plays hard in the playoffs. Full stop. That is where this conversation ends as the talent is just not there to win a title. If they get Giannis without having to give up Jaden McDaniels or Naz Reid, we will revisit this.
Detroit Pistons (+3000)
How much did Cade Cunningham and co. learn from their late season struggles and early expulsion from the playoffs? Does Jalen Duren rebound from just a brutal postseason? What do they add to a group that gave the Knicks more trouble than any other team this past season?
Cleveland Cavaliers (+3500)
Not sure why or maybe if the Cavs are considered contenders as currently constructed. Physically talented but not mentally strong enough to win in the playoffs. However, if LeBron James heads home for the final year(s) of his career? Not sure how that would work in terms of the cap if James Harden returns, but without an addition like James, the Cavs can’t make a deep playoff run.
Miami Heat (+4000)
These odds shorten substantially if Giannis heads to South Beach. IF the biggest name Pat Riley ships out is Tyler Herro, there will be enough talent in Miami for Erik Spoelstra. Bam Adebayo and the Freak will need to learn to play together but Spoelstra is one of the best in the business and will get the most out of the suddenly longer and more athletic Heat. But will there be enough there to win a Title?
Golden State Warriors (+4500)
Do Steve Kerr and Steph Curry want LeBron? Would that addition put them into contention? Maybe. Lots of big names and strong resumes on that roster, but lots of old legs as well.
Philadelphia 76ers (+5500)
This is Tyrese Maxey’s team BUT his team needs Joel Embiid to contribute…especially in the playoffs. The one-time MVP was frankly immobile in that Knicks’ series. His contract and his talent combine to keep him tied to Philly, but they need more from him if they are to compete for a title.
2027 NBA Long Shot
Utah Jazz (+20000)
This team is intriguing especially at this number. Their talent will be undeniable. They will at worst put Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, Jaren Jackson Jr., Walker Kessler, Ace Bailey, and one of Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, or AJ Dybantsa on the court next season. That is a long and highly skilled group that checks a lot of boxes. Even more boxes checked if Jaylen Brown lands in Salt Lake City. If the thought of making that leap is too great for you no matter who puts on a Jazz uniform, maybe a little sprinkle on the Jazz to win the West (+12000) is worth a sweat.
The NBA offseason promises address changes along with curious and intriguing personnel decisions. Those moves will undoubtedly alter these odds, but will there be greater clarity before training camps open? The Knicks were among the favorites entering the season and made a few tweaks at the deadline but heading into the postseason were not deemed the favorites to win the NBA Finals.
Read the full article here