Did the trade deadline affect title odds?

Not much: Jazz and Bucks are Thorpe’s current favorites

The NBA’s most unpredictable season—heavy with health protocols, injuries, rescheduled games, and Thursday’s trade deadline—rolls on. Now that the 30 teams’ rosters are coming into view, who’s left with a shot at this year’s title? Who’s on the bus to titletown? David Thorpe checks in.

BY DAVID THORPE

Our TrueHoop Titletown Bus was pretty full when the season began. As good as the Lakers were last fall, they did not make any moves in the brief offseason to make them a prohibitive favorite. A few months later, teams tried to push themselves out front with deals in the final week and hours of the trade deadline. A quick summary of moves that affected contenders: 

• The Nuggets made a huge upgrade by getting Orlando’s Aaron Gordon.

• The Heat upgraded with Victor Oladipo at minimal cost.

• The Bucks got P.J. Tucker, one of the most valued targets the past month.

• The Clippers traded Lou Williams for a man they hope will be “Playoff Rondo.”

• The 76ers landed a great shooter in George Hill.

• The Mavericks …