2025 NBA MVP Race: Making the Case for 10 Wild-Card Sleepers

The odds have been released for the 2024-25 NBA MVP, and the top of the list is exactly what you'd expect.

Nikola Jokić has the best odds at +360, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The three-time MVP will once again be forced to put up monster numbers on a Denver Nuggets team that should still be one of the best in the West.

Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokoumpo round out the top five, while Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson, Victor Wembanyama, Jayson Tatum and Ja Morant are all 6-10.

Outside of those 10, there are cases to be made for potential All-Stars on teams that should make the playoffs or even finish at the top of their conferences. Some value exists further down the odds leaderboard, especially if voter fatigue sets in for former winners like Jokić, Embiid and Antetokounmpo and others are unable to clear the 65-game minimum for MVP eligibility.

Look for the following 10 sleepers to be in the MVP conversation this season.

Paolo Banchero, PF, Orlando Magic

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CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 5: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic celebrates during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Round 1 Game 7 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 2024 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)

MVP Odds/Rank: +50000 (tied for 24th)

Paolo Banchero is ranked shockingly low in MVP odds, as the Orlando Magic's leading man is being given the same chance to win as players like James Harden, Mikal Bridges, Kyrie Irving, Karl-Anthony Towns, Julius Randle and other players who are the No. 2 or even No. 3 options on their respective teams.

Banchero would be the youngest MVP in league history if he wins this year, besting Derrick Rose by 39 days. Rose and Wes Unseld are the only players to be named MVP at age 22.

While history isn't on his side, Banchero checks all the boxes as a potential MVP. He won Rookie of the Year and was named an All-Star in his first two seasons. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 draft also thrived in his first playoff appearance, putting up 27.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 40.0 percent from three over seven games.

The Orlando Magic, who won 47 games last season, only got better this offseason by signing Kentavious Calwell-Pope. They should continue seeing a lot of growth from their young core.

Orlando could realistically win 50-55 games this year with Banchero leading the way.

LaMelo Ball, PG, Charlotte Hornets

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DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 24: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons on January 24, 2024 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)

MVP Odds/Rank: +50000 (tied for 24th)

Health concerns have hurt LaMelo Ball's MVP odds. If healthy, few players can elevate a team's offense more.

As a 20-year-old in 2021-22, Ball was named an All-Star in the East and helped lead the Charlotte Hornets to 43 wins and a spot in the play-in tournament. Last season, he averaged 23.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 8.1 assists and 1.8 steals across 22 games.

Ball can leave your jaw firmly on the ground after tossing no-look darts or full-court scoop passes to teammates. Few players in the league boast the same passing versatility.

If Ball stays healthy, the Hornets should win far more than the 21 games they did last season. No one is expecting Charlotte to be a playoff team in the East, so playing .500 basketball may be enough to get Ball some MVP consideration.

On a team with Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, Mark Williams, Grant Williams, Josh Green, Tre Mann, Tidjane Salaün, Seth Curry and others, the Hornets might be a pleasant surprise if Ball gets back to playing at an All-Star level.

Tyrese Maxey, PG, Philadelphia 76ers

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 23: Josh Harris, Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers, and Daryl Morey talk to the media during his Philadelphia 76ers press conference on July 23, 2024 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

MVP Odds/Rank: +50000 (tied for 24th)

Is Tyrese Maxey the best player on the Philadelphia 76ers? No.

Is he the team's most exciting offseason addition? Also no.

So, why should Maxey be in the MVP conversation? The combination of both individual and team talent mixed with availability means the 23-year-old deserves a spot on this list.

The 76ers should be awesome this season. A Big Three of Joel Embiid, Paul George and Maxey combined with some real depth in Caleb Martin, Kelly Oubre Jr., Andre Drummond, Kyle Lowry, Jared McCain, Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson and others should help the Sixers win 50-plus games, even if two of their top stars miss some time due to injury.

That's why Maxey actually may be the Sixer who's most likely to win MVP. The All-Star guard has crossed the 65-game threshold in two of his past three seasons, whereas George has only once in the last five years and Embiid has only twice in his 10 NBA seasons.

If Maxey puts up a similar stat line to last year (25.9 points, 6.2 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game) and is the only Sixer star to clear the 65-game mark, he could be the team's MVP favorite by default.

Trae Young, PG, Atlanta Hawks

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 12: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after being charged with a technical foul for flopping by official Brent Barnaky #36 against the Chicago Bulls during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on February 12, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

MVP Odds/Rank: +25000 (tied for 23rd)

After the Atlanta Hawks traded Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans this offseason, Trae Young is poised to put up monster numbers.

The three-time All-Star averaged 28.4 points per game and made the All-NBA third team the year before the Hawks acquired Murray. There's no reason to believe that Young won't be among the league's leading scorers once again.

Young and Murray were the only two Hawks who averaged at least 17 points per game last season. The team got younger by swapping out Murray for a trade package featuring Dyson Daniels and selected 19-year-old Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 overall pick.

For Atlanta to have a chance to win most nights, more offensive pressure will fall on Young both as a scorer and as a creator. Granted, team success could hurt his MVP chances.

Following a 36-win season, the Hawks don't exactly look better on paper after trading their second-best player for Daniels, Larry Nance Jr. and draft picks. Risacher isn't going to make the typical impact of a No. 1 pick, and there's a lot of unproven talent on the roster overall. If Young has this team playing .500 basketball, that's a big accomplishment.

Only three players in NBA history have averaged at least 30 points and 10 assists per game: Russell Westbrook, Tiny Archibald and Oscar Robertson. If Young becomes the fourth this season, that could push him into the MVP mix.

Jaylen Brown, G/F, Boston Celtics

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 27: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics accepts The Larry Bird Trophy after winning Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 27, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

MVP Odds/Rank: +15000 (tied for 17th)

Jaylen Brown winning NBA Finals and Eastern Conference Finals MVP over teammate Jayson Tatum was a surprise to most, although the three-time All-Star certainly had the talent to do so.

His raw stats likely won't match Tatum's over the course of an 82-game season. With that said, Brown did average 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game last year while shooting a career-high 49.9 percent from the floor.

Both Tatum and Brown will get a major boost from voters thanks to the Boston Celtics' record. After winning an NBA-best 64 games last season, they could be right back in that range this year after essentially bringing back their entire core.

Tatum has been largely durable throughout his career. But if he falls just short of the 65-game requirement, Brown could be left standing as the leading scorer and best overall player on the best team in the NBA. That alone should garner some MVP attention.

Brown should also be entering the season with a chip on his shoulder after not being selected by Team USA to play in the Olympics, which clearly bothered him.

After winning MVP of the last two playoff rounds, could a regular-season trophy be next for Brown?

Tyrese Haliburton, PG, Indiana Pacers

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BOSTON, MA - MAY 23: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers passes the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 23, 2024 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

MVP Odds/Rank: +15000 (tied for 17th)

Tyrese Haliburton's career has exploded ever since the Sacramento Kings traded him to the Indiana Pacers. The 24-year-old is coming off back-to-back All-Star seasons and a spot with Team USA in the Olympics.

Haliburton led the NBA with 10.9 assists per game last season while averaging 20.1 points across 69 games. A nagging hamstring injury hampered him toward the middle of the season, so his shooting efficiency could return to its previously elite levels this year.

The Indiana Pacers should have everyone's attention after making the Eastern Conference Finals and re-signing Pascal Siakam to a four-year max deal. The return of Bennedict Mathurin from shoulder surgery and the emergence of Andrew Nembhard means Indiana should be even better this season.

Steve Nash won back-to-back MVPs in 2005 and 2006 despite his modest scoring numbers due to his ability to lead the league in assists while serving as the fuel for an offense that ranked No. 1 and No. 2 overall in consecutive seasons. That profile is eerily similar to Haliburton, given that Indiana finished second in offensive rating this past season and should be near the top of the league again this year.

Haliburton is the heart and soul of a Pacers team that's now set up to be competitive for years in the East.

Kawhi Leonard, F, Los Angeles Clippers

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 27: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers dunks the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 27, 2024 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

MVP Odds/Rank: +10000 (tied for 14th)

Kawhi Leonard played 68 games last year, which qualified him for awards. As a result, the two-time Finals MVP was named to the All-NBA second team.

With Paul George leaving the Los Angeles Clippers to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency, even more offensive responsibility is going to fall on Leonard this year. Leonard averaged 26.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists in five games without George last season compared to 23.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists when the two shared the court.

James Harden returning at point guard should mean Leonard still gets the ball in the spots he wants, and there's enough shooting on this roster to keep the floor spread.

After winning 51 games last season, the Clippers' over/under is set at just 40.5 this season according to FanDuel. If Los Angeles can remain in the top six seeds with a win total that approaches 50 again, Leonard will likely be the primary reason why.

Health will always be a concern with Leonard, who's heading into his age-33 season. But when healthy, he's still one of the best basketball players on the planet.

If the Clippers don't fall too far in the standings after losing George, Leonard should garner serious MVP talk.

Donovan Mitchell, G, Cleveland Cavaliers

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CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 05: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on May 05, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

MVP Odds/Rank: +10000 (tied for 14th)

Donovan Mitchell finished sixth in the MVP race during his first season with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2022-23. He had another big year in 2023-24, yet he fell short of the required games played (55) to be considered again.

With averages of 27.5 points, 5.2 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals and a 37.8 percent mark from three as a Cavalier, Mitchell can now focus entirely on basketball after agreeing to a three-year, $150.3 million extension this summer.

A new, offensive-minded head coach in Kenny Atkinson should bring the most out of Mitchell as he enters his prime years. The former Brooklyn Nets head coach helped turn D'Angelo Russell into an All-Star.

Mitchell's plus-10.2 swing rating (92nd percentile, via Cleaning the Glass) was the highest of his career last season, and the Cavs have finished as a top-four team in the East in each of the past two seasons with the five-time All-Star on board.

If Cleveland can jump some of the more talented teams in the East this season and finish as a No. 2 or 3 seed, Mitchell should get some serious MVP love.

Zion Williamson, PF, New Orleans Pelicans

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - APRIL 12: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans dribbles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on April 12, 2024 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/NBAE via Getty Images)

MVP Odds/Rank: +7500 (13th)

Zion Williamson has long possessed the talent to win MVP, and a new-look roster around him could finally put his name in the conversation.

The New Orleans Pelicans finally have a true table-setter after trading for Dejounte Murray. The 27-year-old averaged 9.2 assists per game the last time he ran an offense with the San Antonio Spurs in 2021-22.

Williamson's 57.0 field goal percentage last season was the lowest of his career and correlated with a drop in assisted baskets. When he played with Lonzo Ball and Jrue Holiday during his rookie season, a whopping 75.5 percent of his two-point shots came off an assist. Last season with no true point guard in the starting lineup, that fell to 47.4 percent.

Having a proven point guard like Murray to run the offense should mean more easy baskets for Williamson. A potential Brandon Ingram trade could mean more shots for Williamson as well, as his scoring average jumped to 26.8 points per game without Ingram compared to 24.2 when the two forwards shared the floor.

Coming off a 49-win season, the Pelicans should be even better this season with Murray. A 70-game season from Williamson last year was encouraging as well.

This could be the year the two-time All-Star makes an MVP-like leap.

Stephen Curry, PG, Golden State Warriors

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 24: #30 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter at Target Center on March 24, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Warriors 114-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

MVP Odds/Rank: +3800 (11th)

Stephen Curry continues to play at an extremely high level, even at age 36. The two-time MVP averaged 26.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists and shot 40.8 percent from three last season in 74 games, winning Clutch Player of the Year and making the All-NBA third team.

The Warriors finished 10th in the West last season, but they could be far better after some key offseason additions, resulting in a better chance for Curry to win MVP again. Golden State also had a net rating of plus-14.4 (98th percentile, via Cleaning the Glass) last season with Curry, Draymond Green, Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga all on the court and Klay Thompson out.

With Thompson now a member of the Dallas Mavericks and the Warriors adding reliable veterans like Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson and De'Anthony Melton, Golden State could make a jump back into the top six in the West, especially if Green avoids more suspensions.

Still one of the best players in the world, Curry may have one last MVP run left in him.