Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden reportedly will opt into the final season of his contract with the Sixers as the two sides seek a trade partner.
This likely puts an end to Harden's time in Philly, and there are a few suitors already in the mix, including the Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets. Let's dive into the hypothetical odds for Harden's next team:
Odds for James Harden's next team
- Los Angeles Clippers: +200
- Houston Rockets: +350
- New York Knicks: +400
- Phoenix Suns: +600
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers appear to be the most likely destination for Harden, as the team's have been engaged in talks for the star guard.
Los Angeles is interested in both Harden and Tobias Harris, and the Clippers could get Harden (salary wise) with a package as simple as Marcus Morris and Norman Powell.
Considering that Philly could have lost Harden for nothing if he opted out, getting anything in return may seem like a win for the team.
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets have been rumored to be in on Harden as a team he could sign with in free agency, but they may also be willing to work a trade for him.
In this scenario, the Sixers would still net something in return rather than losing Harden for nothing in the offseason. I think the Clippers are a more likely trade destination, but Houston does have a few intriguing young players it could dangle for Harden.
New York Knicks
The Knicks, who are armed with a plethora of draft picks, could be in on Harden, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojanrowski.
The Harden-Jalen Brunson fit would be a bit of a confusing one, but the Knicks could use the expiring contract of Evan Fournier to try to match salary in a trade while keeping their core roster intact.
New York still seems like a longshot compared to the Clippers in this scenario.
Phoenix Suns
Would the Suns be crazy enough to try to add Harden to their roster?
Probably not, but the team could attempt it by trading away Deandre Ayton to the Sixers.
Philly would likely want a third team involved to flip Ayton since he and Joel Embiid wouldn't exactly fit, but the Suns have basically done whatever they can to acquire star talent the last two seasons.
