Julius Randle has denied reports he has requested a trade away from New York Knicks.
The Knicks claimed the fourth seed in the East last season but are set to miss out on the postseason altogether this year.
Defending champions Milwaukee Bucks can be backed at 11/2 to win the NBA Championship outright and Miami Heat are priced at 11/1.
Career trajectory on the up
Randle won the Most Improved Player award last year and earned his first All-Star call up but this season he has been unable to build on that impressive campaign.
The 27-year-old is down in all key statistics from last season. Randle is still putting up solid numbers - averaging 20.1 points-per-game, 10 rebounds and 5.1 assists, but his shooting percentage is down and critics have suggested he isn't putting in the same defensive effort and his body language has changed.
It has been speculated that the Knicks may look to trade Randle in the offseason and reports emerged this week claiming the forward has asked for a move away.
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Rumours are wrong
Speaking after Wednesday's 125-114 defeat at home to Charlotte Hornets, Randle denied those reports and he stressed he is fully committed to the Knicks.
"That's not true, bro. That's just not true, simple as that, it's not true at all," said Randle on Wednesday night, via the New York Post. "If it didn't come from me, it ain't true."
The Knicks have not officially been eliminated from playoff contention but it would take a remarkable turnaround for them to finish in the play-in spots.
The Knicks have a 34-43 overall record and would need to win their final five regular season games and hope Atlanta Hawks lose their remaining six to force their way into the top 10.
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