Bodog Press Release - nba free agents odds

June 20, 2003

Bodog Sportsbook, Casino and Poker offers odds on NBA Free Agents

With the NBA season finally at an end Bodog Sportsbook & Casino is weighing in on the free agent frenzy that's sure to ensue this summer.

Bodog is offering odds on seven key free agents and which team they'll sign with later this summer.

"Everybody's talking about Jason Kidd and where he'll play next season," said Bodog President, Rob Gillespie. "We've made the Spurs the favorites at (-130) with New Jersey Nets a close second at (-110)." Bodog's bookmakers are also offering Odds on Karl Malone, Elton Brand, Gary Payton, Gilbert Arenas, Scottie Pippen and Jermaine O'Neal.

"Malone has made no bones about wanting to win a championship ring," said Gillespie. "And he's not going to be able to do that by staying with Utah, so Dallas, the Lakers and Sacramento are the obvious choices." Dallas is a 3/2 favorite to sign the Mailman while a return to Utah is a 5/1 long shot.

Denver, a club that could have $22-million in cap room, is the favorite to sign guard Gilbert Arenas (1/1) and the second favorite to sign Jermaine O'Neal (2/1) after the Pacers (1/1).

"Denver could be a major player in the free agent market this year and all of our insiders say they're in hot pursuit of those two," said Gillespie.

Seattle Sonics fans can wager on "The Glove" returning to the Emerald City, but that's a long shot at 10/1. "The Bucks and Lakers are the only big players for Payton," said Gillespie. "However, I'm sure a lot of Sonics fans are dreaming of Payton joining Ray Allen in the backcourt next year."

The Odds for Pippen include a small twist as bettors are given the option to choose "retirement" as well as the Lakers, Trail Blazers and Spurs. The odds on Pippen retiring are 5/2.

Odds for the NBA Free Agents will be on the board until July 1, when players can begin discussions with all teams.