Odds Heavily Favor Kyrie Irving Signing With Brooklyn Nets for 2019-20 Season, Lakers Given 5-2 Odds

• Kyrie Irving has reportedly bought a home in Brooklyn
• It’s been reported that the New York Knicks won’t offer Kevin Durant the full max
• The Los Angeles Lakers have created cap space and could make a play for Irving

The Brooklyn Nets made an impressive turnaround last season, surprising a lot of people by making the playoffs. They now have their eye set on taking the next step, starting with signing Kyrie Irving in free agency. There are all sorts of rumors swirling but with a prop up on the board, what team is the best bet to sign Kyrie?

2019 Kyrie Irving Free Agency Odds

Nets the Heavy Favorite

All along, the Nets have been a sizable favorite to land Irving. He grew up in New Jersey, he seems to want to be there and recent reports say he purchased a home there. Also, most major NBA reports have suggested that the two sides are headed for a marriage.

One report from Nets Daily even suggests that the two sides have already come to a verbal agreement. At this time of year, there are a ton of rumors flying around but when there’s this much smoke around, it’s probably a fire. It would be a surprise if Irving didn’t go to the Nets.

Lakers Open up Max Slot

One of the last-minute changes that could derail a Nets-Irving marriage could be the Lakers. Of course, the Lakers have now opened up a third slot for a max contract, which means they can give Irving a similar payday – if they like. Of course, the way the Lakers would sell it is by offering a championship.

With LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the roster, the Lakers would have one of the most epic Big Threes of all-time. In a Western Conference that seems open – with the Golden State Warriors’ injuries – the Lakers would be the clear-cut frontrunner. If Irving wants a ring, the Lakers would be his best option.

What About the Knicks?

Just a few months ago, it seemed like the Knicks were a sure-fire landing spot for Irving and -150 favorites at the time. However, as we’ve moved closer and closer to free agency, there’s been almost no mention of Irving to the Knicks. All of the reports suggest Irving ends up in Brooklyn, which is why they’re now a -550 favorite.

Is Durant Coming to Brooklyn?

The Durant situation is what could really tip the scales here. He’s opted out of his contract with the Warriors and for quite some time, it’s been assumed that he’s leaving. The New York Knicks thought that they were in play but as we’ve moved through the process, the Knicks are the spot where no major free agent wants to be.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=El64iptwW40

On top of that, reports have surfaced that the Knicks are hesitant to sign him to a max contract given his injury and that he’ll be out all of next season. Considering what a dump the Knicks are these days, they should do whatever it takes to get Durant but if they’re going to shortchange him, he’ll surely go to Brooklyn.

The one caveat here is that if the Nets don’t pair Irving with Durant, there are some reports that suggest they might pass on Irving altogether and keep D’Angelo Russell. However, the more it looks like Durant is heading to Brooklyn, the less it’s likely that the Nets keep Russell over Irving.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95glojb8r3Y

Nets Are the Bet

The Nets are the most likely landing spot for Irving. It’s what we’ve been expecting all along and it doesn’t look like much will change. Even if they can’t get Durant, they might push for someone like Jimmy Butler or see what other stars they can pair with Irving. I’d bet he ends up in Brooklyn – where he just bought a home.