With the 2023-24 NBA season set to tip off in early October, a top storyline waiting for a resolution is the James Harden-Philadelphia 76ers saga.
The relationship appears dead. Harden made waves in the basketball world after opting into his deal with the 76ers for $35.6 million the day before becoming a free agent and then later requesting a trade.
Then, in August, Harden was in China for an Adidas event—a trip he takes every offseason. He said the following about Philadelphia’s president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey: “Daryl Morey is a liar, and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.”
This came shortly after a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers fell through. However, with a few weeks to go before the season, a Harden move could come sooner rather than later.
Regulated sports betting sites in the U.S. can’t list odds and take bets on Harden’s next team. However, unregulated and illegal offshore online sportsbooks do, and one in particular (that we will not name) has odds for where Harden will be at the start of the regular season.
Harden could still be a Sixer at the start of the season, and no odds are listed for this situation. Below are the odds (for entertainment purposes only) on Harden’s destination at the season’s start, if not Philadelphia.
James Harden Next Team Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles Clippers | -250 |
| Chicago Bulls | +600 |
| Houston Rockets | +700 |
| New York Knicks | +900 |
| Miami Heat | +1000 |
| Atlanta Hawks | +1400 |
| Dallas Mavericks | +1400 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | +1600 |
| Toronto Raptors | +1800 |
| Memphis Grizzlies | +2000 |
| San Antonio Spurs | +2500 |
Possible Landing Spots for Harden
Los Angeles Clippers (-250)
The Clippers are still the overwhelming favorite. Harden has openly voiced his desire to play for his hometown team, and there were trade talks earlier this offseason.
The deal didn’t get done, however, which Harden didn’t take too kindly to.
On The Hoop Collective, ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst confirmed the failed trade, saying Los Angeles “tried to trade for James Harden, and that deal didn’t happen,” and followed that up with, “And from what I understand, it was the Clippers who said, ‘Okay, there’s no deal here. We’re gonna move on.’ And while I assume that they could certainly make a deal midseason, I assume that this is what they’re gonna go with.”
We might need to wait a bit, but signs point to Harden eventually heading to Los Angeles. However, it looks like he will remain a Sixer when the season begins.
Miami Heat (+1000)
Morey appears motivated to move Harden for the right package, and the Miami Heat have shown they’re looking to add another superstar this offseason.
The Portland Trail Blazers are looking to deal Damian Lillard and Miami is one of the top suitors, though others are getting involved. If the Heat miss out on Lillard, they could bring in Harden to help improve their offense.
They made it to the 2023 NBA Finals despite a lackluster offense, so Harden could help put them over the top.
Toronto Raptors (+1800)
Speaking of looking for the right trade packages, the Toronto Raptors have assets that could make sense for Philadelphia. The Raptors have players like OG Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr., Chris Boucher and No. 13 overall draft pick Gradey Dick they could package for Harden.
Not including those players, a Raptors roster with Dennis Schroder, Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam and Jakob Poeltl could be a solid starting five in the Eastern Conference.
Of course, the 76ers could look to trade Harden away from the Eastern Conference. Toronto and Philadelphia are in the same division, which could play a role as well.
Dark Horse Teams
- Portland Trail Blazers (No odds listed): A potential Lillard for Harden swap could make sense. However, Lillard has said the 76ers aren’t a “preferred” destination, per Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports.
- Sacramento Kings (No odds listed): Coming off a stellar 2022-23 season in which they led the league in points per game, adding Harden could make the Kings’ offense even more electric. Sacramento could package players like Malik Monk, Kevin Huerter and Trey Lyles for Harden.
- Los Angeles Lakers (No odds listed): Lillard going to the Lakers doesn’t seem like a possibility anymore, and Harden, LeBron James and Anthony Davis would be an interesting “Big 3.” The compensation package would be intriguing, but this would be a great way to get him out of the conference and back to his hometown of LA.
Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
