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How NBA Trades Impact Player Props: 2025 Betting Strategies

Eduardo Solano

Eduardo Solano

Last updated: July 7, 2025

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What were the craziest NBA trades so far in 2025? Well, the historic Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis swap took the cake in February. But we’re about to start Round 2 of the 2025 NBA draft, and there have been a handful of trades in just the last week that have shaken up the league.

More trades are certain to come, and we’ll keep you posted on those moves. Let’s dive into NBA prop betting strategy for 2025 following all of the personnel changes around the league.

NBA Trades 2025: Superstars & NBA Draft Picks

The 2025 NBA offseason has already delivered seismic shifts, with Desmond Bane landing in Orlando, Kevin Durant joining the Rockets, and Anfernee Simons heading to a reshaped Celtics team.

Plenty of rookies will be joining new teams, as a host of popular NCAA players heard their names called on day one of the NBA draft.

Cooper Flagg will unsurprisingly be heading to Dallas, Dylan Harper is on his way to San Antonio, and Ace Bailey landed in Utah. Brooklyn, host of the draft, selected former Yale & Michigan big man Danny Wolf to bolster its frontcourt.

For now, we’ll focus on these massive 2025 NBA trades and the studs who will be joining new teams for the upcoming season. These blockbuster trades will dramatically alter not only the balance of power in each conference but also how bettors approach player prop markets. With new environments, roles, and team needs, sharp bettors must adapt quickly to capitalize.

2025 NBA Trades: Desmond Bane to Orlando

Bane’s offensive profile makes him a premier target in scoring and 3-point prop markets, particularly on a team that previously lacked floor spacing. In Memphis, Bane showcased his ability to thrive off the ball and operate as a secondary ball-handler — a combination Orlando sorely needed. 

Bane’s quick-trigger release and ability to shoot off movement create constant gravity. His skills are now supercharged with playmakers like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner around him. Bane’s game is also built on strength and control. He doesn’t get bullied off his spots and is extremely efficient in using screens to find daylight.

In Orlando, expect Bane to have consistent usage with high shot volume, especially from deep. Bettors should target over props on 3-pointers made, particularly early in the season, as defenses adjust to his fit alongside Banchero and Wagner. 

Look for spike performances in matchups against teams with weak perimeter rotations or poor transition defense. In games where Orlando staggers Bane and Suggs or sits Banchero, Bane’s assist props may also carry hidden value as he’ll shoulder more on-ball responsibilities.

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2025 NBA Trades: Kevin Durant to Houston

Even at 36 years old, Kevin Durant remains one of the league’s most versatile and efficient offensive weapons. His ability to rise over any defender and generate his own shot from anywhere on the floor is as potent as ever. What sets Durant apart isn’t just the shot-making, it’s the precision. His footwork, shot selection, and decision-making will elevate the entire offense. 

Durant enters a situation where his isolation scoring and clutch shot creation will be leaned on heavily. This team lacked a primary option who could consistently create under pressure, and Durant’s presence fills that void instantly.

Prop bettors should expect strong value on Durant’s points early in the season. That should be especially true, with Houston likely feeding him high usage in close games. His ability to get to his midrange spots against any defense makes him one of the most matchup-proof scorers in the league. 

Watch for Overs in matchups against teams with smaller forwards or shallow wing depth. Durant should also see clean looks in catch-and-shoot situations. His first-quarter scoring props will be attractive in games where Houston starts hot.

2025 NBA Trades: Anfernee Simons to Boston

Simons is a dynamic shot creator with deep range, a tight handle, and the confidence to shoot from virtually anywhere on the floor. What makes him dangerous is his blend of explosiveness and control. He can create separation in one or two dribbles and elevate into a smooth jumper without rushing. 

Simons’ ability to operate in both on-ball and off-ball situations makes him a seamless fit for Boston, especially as they transition to a new offensive identity without Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis.

Simons is poised for a volume uptick in Boston. His points and 3-point props are attractive buys, particularly in games where Jaylen Brown or Derrick White will rest. The Celtics are likely to let Simons initiate offense in second units or during stretches where he can run high pick-and-rolls. 

Watch for spike performances against teams that struggle defending the pick-and-roll or that drop in coverage. Simons is lethal when pulling up off screens. If Boston prioritizes pace to compensate for lost size, Simons’ assist and rebound props could also be worth targeting, especially if his minutes climb past the 32+ range regularly.

How to Bet Player Props in 2025

In all three cases, bettors should take advantage of early-season inefficiencies. Sportsbooks may undervalue how dramatically Bane’s spacing, Durant’s usage, and Simons’ shot creation will shift in their new teams.

What to watch for in the first 10 games:

  • Minutes and playing time
  • Lineup combinations
  • Opponent defensive matchups

2025 NBA Free Agency Tracker

Here are the 2025 free agents who have signed or re-signed as of June 30:

  • LeBron James (SF, 40) – Picked up $52.6M player option
  • James Harden (PG, 35) – Agreed to 2-year, $81.5M deal
  • Kyrie Irving (PG, 33) – Agreed to 3-year, $119M deal
  • Julius Randle (PF, 30) – Agreed to 3-year, $100M deal
  • Fred VanVleet (PG, 31) – Agreed to 2-year, $50M deal
  • Naz Reid (C, 25) – Agreed to 5-year, $125M deal
  • Nickeil Alexander-Walker (SF, 26) – Agreed to 4-year, $62M deal
  • Dorian Finney-Smith (PF, 32) – Agreed to 4-year, $53M deal
  • Keon Ellis (SG, 25) – Team picked up $2.3M option
  • Ty Jerome (SG, 27) – Agreed to 3-year, $28M deal
  • Brook Lopez (C, 37) – Agreed to 2-year, $18M deal
  • Santi Aldama (PF, 24) – Agreed to 3-year, $52.5M deal
  • Dennis Schroder (PG, 31) – Agreed to deal
  • Tyus Jones (PG, 29) – Agreed to 1-year, $7M deal
  • Caris LeVert (SG, 30) – Agreed to 2-year, $29M deal
  • Bobby Portis (PF, 30) – Agreed to 3-year, $44M deal
  • Jordan Clarkson (PG, 33) – Agreed to deal (expected trade to NYK)
  • John Collins (C, 27) – Picked up $26.5M player option
  • Day’Ron Sharpe (C, 23) – Agreed to 2-year, $12M deal
  • Khris Middleton (SF, 33) – Picked up $33.3M player option
  • Matisse Thybulle (SF, 28) – Picked up $11.5M player option
  • Clint Capela (C, 31) – Agreed to 3-year, $21.5M deal
  • Luke Kornet (C, 29) – Agreed to 4-year, $41M deal
  • D’Angelo Russell (PG, 29) – Agreed to 2-year, $13M deal
  • Davion Mitchell (PG, 26) – Agreed to 2-year, $24M deal
  • Tre Jones (PG, 25) – Agreed to 3-year, $24M deal
  • Kelly Oubre Jr. (SG, 29) – Picked up $8.4M player option
  • Andre Drummond (C, 31) – Picked up $5M player option
  • Jake LaRavia (SF, 23) – Agreed to 2-year, $12M deal
  • Taurean Prince (PF, 31) – Agreed to 2-year, $7.1M deal
  • Luke Kennard (SG, 29) – Agreed to 1-year, $11M deal
  • Bruce Brown (SG, 28) – Agreed to 1-year deal
  • Kevon Looney (C, 29) – Agreed to 2-year, $16M deal
  • Sam Merrill (SG, 29) – Agreed to 4-year, $38M deal
  • Paul Reed (C, 26) – Agreed to 2-year, $11M deal
  • Nicolas Batum (PF, 36) – Agreed to 2-year, $11.5M deal
  • Justin Edwards (SF, 21) – Agreed to 3-year, $7M deal
  • Mason Plumlee (C, 35) – Agreed to 1-year, $3.6M deal
  • Trendon Watford (PF, 24) – Agreed to 2-year, $5.3M deal

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