Oddsmakers give the Heat slim chances of acquiring Kyrie Irving

Despite the fact that the Miami Heat were listed as one of the four NBA teams that Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving has requested to be traded to, Bovada is giving them long odds of actually landing the All-Star.

Under contract for two more seasons (as well as a player option for the 2019-20 season), Irving seemingly has little leverage to request a trade, let alone to one of his preferred destinations, though the situation has grown toxic in recent days since the trade request became public. Nevertheless, Bovada (www.Bovada.lv, @BovadaLV) still has the Cavaliers (1/1 odds) as being the favorite to retain Irving for next season, followed by the New York Knicks and the Phoenix Suns.

Why the Knicks (3/1 odds), who are reportedly dangling Carmelo Anthony but are unwilling to part with Kristaps Porzingis, are so high on the list is puzzling. The Suns (5/1 odds) might be able to put together an attractive trade package centered around Eric Bledsoe and draft picks, but today’s announcement that guard Brandon Knight has suffered a major ACL injury on his left knee could complicate matters.

The Heat? They’re facing 20/1 odds and listed below seven other teams on Bovada’s list, perhaps because of their history with Cavs owner Dan Gilbert after the Decision saga with LeBron James back in 2010 or because they are somewhat limited in what they can offer for Irving.

Here’s the complete list provided by Bovada:

What team will Kyrie Irving play for in Game 1 or the 2017-2018 NBA Season?

Cleveland Cavaliers 1/1

New York Knick 3/1

Phoenix Suns 5/1

Boston Celtics 7/1

Denver Nuggets 9/1

Minnesota Timberwolves 12/1

San Antonio Spurs 14/1

Miami Heat 20/1

Milwaukee Bucks 25/1

Atlanta Hawks 33/1