James Harden Trade Odds: Are Clippers Still Favorites?

With training camp around the corner, one of the NBA’s most notable disgruntled stars, Damian Lillard, got his change of scenery before preparation for the 2023-2024 season begins by getting traded to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Lillard wasn’t alone in his desire to be moved ahead of training camp. As the Philadelphia 76ers approach the beginning of their new season, reports indicate that James Harden is still hoping to be traded as well.

Before the 2023 free agency period kicked off, Harden picked up his player option for the 2023-2024 season. While that guarantees his salary, Harden was hoping to take that money and run off to the Los Angeles Clippers.

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The Sixers and the Clippers engaged in trade talks, and nothing came to life. After months of speculation, the Sixers decided to close shop and hoped Harden could accept the reality of the situation and compete in Philadelphia for the start of the new year.

As we know, Harden didn’t take the news lightly.

The Sixers and the Clippers aren’t anywhere near getting a deal done. With training camp coming next week, Harden is more than likely set to remain on the Sixers’ roster. In the event he is moved, though, which teams are currently the betting favorites to land him?

A Look at the Odds

To no surprise, the Clippers are the favorites to land Harden if he’s traded. According to BetOnline, their odds are set at -250.

Beyond that, there’s a notable dip as the Chicago Bulls hold the second-best odds at +600. Then, there’s the Houston Rockets (+700), New York Knicks (+900), Miami Heat (+1,000), and the Atlanta Hawks (+1,400).

When Harden made his initial trade request, he was linked to the Clippers and the Knicks. Although the Knicks reportedly showed interest early on, it was clear they weren’t truly pursuing the ten-time All-Star and instead had their sights set on more recent MVP winners.

As for everybody else, they are Hail Mary bets. It’s no secret Harden’s market has been dry since the Rockets signed Fred VanVleet at the start of free agency. Once it became clear Harden’s demand in free agency was more smoke than fire, his trade market didn’t see different results.

A lot can change on that front as training camp approaches. Harden’s play could serve as a reminder he can still be valuable for a title contender if he’s still out on rocking with the 76ers. In addition, another team’s shortcomings early on could force them to contact the Sixers to see if they could patch up playmaking issues with the 2022-2023 assist leader.