The Brooklyn Nets' decision against trading Kevin Durant means they have rejoined the list of NBA favorites. Immediately following the announcement that the superstar would stay with the team for the 2022-2023 season, the Nets' championship odds dramatically improved.

Brooklyn has +750 odds at Caesars Sportsbook to win the 2023 NBA Finals, tying them with the Milwaukee Bucks for third best in the league. The Nets had +1800 championship odds Tuesday, just prior to the team's announcement that Durant was moving forward with the team.

Nine teams have better than +1800 odds to win next season's NBA championship.
Shortly after Durant requested a trade at the start of free agency, the Nets' championship odds reached as low as +5000.

NBA stars usually get their wish when they ask to be dealt, and it seemed highly likely that Durant would be traded during the summer. The Nets fielded plenty of offers for Durant, but no team was willing to meet Brooklyn's asking price of several first-round draft picks and at least one All-Star-caliber player.

The defending champion Golden State Warriors are second in the NBA with +600 odds to win next year's title. The Boston Celtics are favored with +500 odds. Boston had emerged as one of the most likely landing spots for Durant when it was reported that the team offered Jaylen Brown to Brooklyn in a trade package.

The Celtics swept the Nets in the first round of the playoffs. Durant was held to 26.3 points per game on 38.6% shooting from the field.

The Los Angeles Lakers' championship odds went from +950 to +1600. The Lakers had been considered the favorites to trade for Kyrie Irving after Durant requested a trade. With Durant staying in Brooklyn, Irving is expected to remain with the Nets, at least to start the 2022-2023 season.

On paper, the Nets have as much talent as any team if Ben Simmons is ready to be part of the roster. Simmons didn't suit up for Brooklyn last season when he was swapped for James Harden.

Irving missed most of last season because of his failure to comply with New York City's COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Irving will be eligible to play in all of Brooklyn's upcoming home games.

Durant is still widely viewed as one of the top-five players in the NBA. He was a leading MVP candidate until injuries allowed him to play in only 55 games.

Durant, Irving and Simmons were all selected to the All-Star team two seasons ago.

Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets
Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center on April 25, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Boston Celtics defeated the Brooklyn Nets 116-112. Elsa/Getty Images