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Jimmy Butler 2019 MVP Odds: Kicking and Screaming Up the Charts

Eric Rosales

by Eric Rosales in NBA Basketball

Updated Apr 6, 2020 · 1:41 PM PDT

Jimmy Butler warming up with the Minnesota Timberwolves
Could Jimmy Butler be moved before the opening tip of the 2018-19 NBA season? (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire)
  • Jimmy Butler’s MVP odds have shot up after his wild return to the Wolves
  • Is there value in selecting the disgruntled wing?
  • Find the best value picks as the 2018-19 NBA season tips off

What’s the value in a verbal tirade?

For disgruntled All-Star Jimmy Butler, it may not be a trade to a preferred destination (at least not just yet), but it did better his odds for winning NBA MVP. No, really. Just take a look at the “All” tab in the graph below.

2019 NBA MVP Average Odds

As recently as August, you would have needed a pair of binoculars to find the guy on the board, as he carried close to +10000 average NBA MVP odds.

Now, the Timberwolves star – acquired last season from the Bulls in a deal that sent two previous first round picks Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine and 2017 first rounder (which turned into Finnish sharpshooter Lauri Markannen) the other way – may not be within striking distance, but he’s at least at the front of the line, with a chance to get into the club.

2019 NBA MVP Odds

Name Team Odds
LeBron James Los Angeles Lakers +400
Anthony Davis New Orleans Pelicans +425
Giannis Antetokounmpo Milwaukee Bucks +425
James Harden Houston Rockets +900
Kevin Durant Golden State Warriors +1000
Kawhi Leonard Toronto Raptors +1200
Stephen Curry Golden State Warriors +1600
Joel Embiid Philadelphia 76ers +1600
Russell Westbrook Oklahoma City Thunder +1600
Kyrie Irving Boston Celtics +2000
Ben Simmons Philadelphia 76ers +2000
Karl Anthony-Towns Minnesota Timberwolves +2500
Jimmy Butler Minnesota Timberwolves +3300
Donovan Mitchell Utah Jazz +3300
DeMar DeRozan San Antonio Spurs +3300
Damian Lillard Portland Trail Blazers +4000
Victor Oladipo Indiana Pacers +5000
John Wall Washington Wizards +5000

It started with Butler informing management that he did not intend to sign with the team after this season when he became an unrestricted free agent. Owner Glen Taylor was on record as wanting to get the deal done as soon as possible. He’s still fuming.

But head coach Tom Thibodeau was at odds with president of basketball operations Tom Thibodeau. The coach wanted to keep his star player, as they shared a mutual respect dating back to their Chicago days.

As offers came and went, it appeared the president was making the asking price too steep, giving the coach a chance to work through a dysfunctional workplace.

That environment includes a not-so-great rapport with the T’Wolves’ young stars, Karl Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins.

With no deal imminent, Butler showed up to practice and, well, it went down.

He also had time to spit fire at GM Scott Layden.

The best part? It’s all true, according to Jimmy.

For his part, Wiggins is saying the right things, as it appears this marriage will go on for the time being.

KAT? It’s wearing on him. For sure. The season hasn’t even started yet!

YouTube video

Is a Butler Bet Worth the Investment?

For all the bluster, as well as the perfect living definition of “gong show” we’re still not sure if Butler can function as the best player on a contending team.

His last four seasons have been his statistical best, as he’s averaged better than 20 points per game, yet his teams have only reached the second round once.

YouTube video

The thing with MVP is you’ve got to be the best statistical player in the league, or the best player on the best team to be in contention.

The thing with MVP is you’ve got to be the best statistical player in the league, or the best player on the best team to be in contention.

His last season in Chicago: 23.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 5.1 apg on 47.7% from the floor and 36.7% from three was his career best. That could be MVP-worthy, only it got the Bulls to the eight seed. His Minny numbers were not that far off, yet it still only pushed the Wolves to an eight seed. Both were first round exits.

Who is Worth the Investment?

I’d shy away from Butler, but if you’re looking for value, Kawhi Leonard (+1200) is potentially the best player in the East, with a team that can do some real business. If you do believe Kevin Durant (+1000) is going out with a bang in Golden State, a regular season MVP would go nicely with his two Finals MVPs (and counting).

Other than that? Stick with the current old reliables: LeBron (+400) and Anthony Davis (+425). Not sexy, but likely.

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