The Knicks didn’t make the big move but they still got a boost.
Their chances to repeat as NBA champions improved Wednesday after the Celtics’ stunning trade of Jaylen Brown to the 76ers reshaped the top of the Eastern Conference.
The defending champion Knicks stayed at +800 to win the 2027 NBA title at FanDuel Sportsbook, but they leapfrogged the Eastern Conference rival Boston, who drifted from +650 to +1200 after breaking up its star duo.
It is a notable shift for a Knicks team that opened the offseason behind the Celtics on several NBA futures boards despite winning its first championship since 1973.
The Celtics had been viewed by oddsmakers as the East’s top threat to the Knicks, with the belief that a healthier Jayson Tatum, Brown and a retooled supporting cast could push Boston back to the top of the conference.
That picture looks much different now.
Boston sent Brown, who was also dangled in Giannis Antetokounmpo offers, to Philadelphia in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, ending the five-time All-Star’s 10-year run with the franchise.
The move gives the 76ers another star alongside Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and V.J. Edgecombe, instantly making Philadelphia more interesting in the East, jumping all the way up to +3300 to win it all, which is tied with the Lakers for the 11th-best odds on the board, but oddsmakers appeared less sold on Boston’s new direction.
Brown, 29, is coming off arguably the best season of his career, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists en route to second-team All-NBA honors while carrying a larger offensive load for the Celtics.
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George gives Boston another established wing, but he recently turned 36 and has troubles staying on the court.The Celtics also added draft capital, suggesting the move may have been made with another addition in mind with plenty of offseason to go.
For the Knicks, that uncertainty in Beantown is good news.
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Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.
