James Harden Next Team Odds: Will it be Philly or Houston?

• James Harden is expected to become an unrestricted free agent when the June 30 NBA free agency period begins.
• Harden is reportedly “torn” between the Philadelphia 76ers and Houston Rockets, who have similar odds to become his next team.
• The Phoenix Suns are the only other NBA team with less than +5000 odds to add James Harden to their roster.

PHILADELPHIA – Following rumors surrounding James Harden’s next team, Bovada sportsbook released odds for where James Harden will play Game 1 of the 2023-2024 NBA season. There are +110 odds for James Harden to play for the Philadelphia 76ers next season.

James Harden 2023-2024 NBA Team Betting Odds

• Philadelphia 76ers +110
• Houston Rockets +135
• Phoenix Suns +350
• Boston Celtics +5000
• Chicago Bulls +5000
• New Orleans Pelicans +5000

Harden is expected to decline his $35 million player option with the Philadelphia 76ers and become an unrestricted free agent. Even if Harden declines his offer, the Sixers +110 odds at online NBA sportsbooks can still be claimed by signing Harden to a new contract.

76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morrey expressed his intentions of returning Harden to Philadelphia, which is unsurprising considering their past relations. Morrey traded for Harden from the Oklahoma City Thunder when he was the general manager of the Houston Rockets, and traded for him again once he joined the Philadelphia 76ers.

According to Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania, Harden is torn between the Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers. The Rockets +135 odds to bring Harden back to Houston have value.

Betting on Harden Returning to the Rockets

Houston is home for James Harden. His mother lives in Houston, the people love him, and Harden has invested in the city of Houston through his ownership of the Houston Dynamos and Houston Dash.

The Rockets will have upwards of $60 million in cap space which they could use towards the 10-time NBA All-Star. Harden also played under new Rockets head coach Ime Udoka in Brooklyn, further encouraging the +135 odds at USA online sportsbooks to make a return to his home town.

On the other hand, the Rockets have developed a young core since Harden departed in 2021. Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Porter Jr., and Alperen Sengun are all under 23 years old or younger. Houston holds the No. 4 pick in the NBA Draft this year, as well as the 20th overall pick, which could be used to add more talent.