Will James Harden return to the Houston Rockets, or will he continue to chase an NBA championship with Joel Embiid in Philadelphia? Let's take a look at the best NBA odds for Harden's next team to find out.
It has been 2.5 seasons since James Harden last wore a Houston Rockets jersey, and coincidentally, it has also been 2.5 seasons since the Rockets last contended in the NBA. The Rockets have expressed their desire to regain their status as a playoff team, and acquiring Harden could be a step in that direction. Additionally, the Rockets have started following Draymond Green on Twitter, possibly indicating their early efforts in free agency recruitment.
The NBA is known for its constant drama, and I personally had thought that we might witness the Suns hiring Mike D'Antoni as their head coach in an attempt to lure Harden to the Valley. However, they went in a different direction by hiring Frank Vogel.
The question remains: Will Harden continue to pursue a championship with teams like the Philadelphia 76ers or the Suns, or will he return to the Rockets, where he was the face of the franchise for several seasons?
Let's examine this market using our best NBA betting sites and attempt to determine the best option for our predictions regarding Harden's next team.
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James Harden's next team odds
Market states: Must be part of team roster for Game 1 of the 2023-24 NBA regular season
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia 76ers | +110 |
| Houston Rockets | +135 |
| Phoenix Suns | +350 |
| Boston Celtics | +5000 |
| Chicago Bulls | +5000 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | +5000 |
James Harden's next team predictions
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It has been rumored for multiple offseasons now that Harden has always wanted to find his way back to Houston, the team where he had his most success. After signing with the 76ers last offseason, I believe this is the year he will return to Houston.
Why do I think Harden will go back this time around? Well, quite frankly, this is the first time we have seen the Rockets show interest in matching his desire, and they appear serious about pulling themselves out of a rebuild and becoming contenders once again.
Additionally, Nick Nurse's press conference, when he was asked about Harden, didn' ;t convey a strong desire to bring him back.
I believe Harden's decision will be influenced more by his family and community outreach in Houston than solely by his championship aspirations. It's not as if the Rockets will be a bottom feeder and Harden is completely abandoning his pursuit of a championship.
While it's unlikely that he will win a title in Houston, the Rockets have talented young players within their organization who are still developing. The right mix of veteran leadership and talent could help the Rockets immediately become a playoff team, while also preparing players like Jabari Smith Jr., Jalen Green, and Alperen Sengun to take the torch when Harden retires.
Regarding the Suns, the odds at +350 for Harden do not appeal to me. He has already pursued a championship with Kevin Durant and Joel Embiid in the last couple of seasons, so I don't see him joining the Suns as their third option. I believe Harden wants to have his own franchise once again and solidify his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever wear a Rockets uniform.
Check out our next team predictions for LeBron James, Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving, Russell Westbrook, and Dillon Brooks.
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