Luka Doncic is the favorite to win the 2021 NBA MVP award

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks took home the trophy for the second consecutive year this season. Even with the confetti likely still being cleaned off the floor days after the final buzzer in Orlando, oddsmakers are already wagering on next season’s MVP.

The Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic is favored to win the coveted regular season award in 2021. He is a 4-1 favorite, according to SportsBetting.com. Antetokoumpo comes in second with 9-2 odds followed by Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. Curry has 5-1 odds as he makes his long awaited return to the game.

Doncic finished just out of the top-three in voting this season. He came in fourth place behind Antetokounmpo, Los Angeles Lakers star and Finals MVP winner LeBron James, and James Harden of the Houston Rockets.

Depending on when the 2020-21 season begins, Doncic could become the youngest player to ever be named league MVP if the oddsmaker’s scenario plays out. Derrick Rose is currently the youngest to claim the honor, having done so at 22 years and 191 days old with the Chicago Bulls. Doncic turns 22 on Feb. 28, 2021.

Doncic’s NBA career is just two seasons old, but he’s already left an indelible mark on the league. He’s been named Rookie of the Year, an All-Star, and First Team All-NBA. Based on his upward trajectory, it’s only a matter of time before he win’s the league’s highest regular-season honor. Next season is as good as any.

Also making SportsBetting.com’s top-50 MVP candidates list is Kristaps Porzingis. He has 500-1 odds.