There’s no denying the impact of James Harden, pound for pound one of the more gifted offensive players in NBA history. 

There’s also no denying that the 14-time All-Star has never won an NBA title and forced trades out of two cities to be part of super teams, only to come up short each time. 

Harden has declined the player option in his contract and is now a free agent. Giving up the $47 million paycheck can't have been be easy, especially if the Philadelphia 76ers want to sign him up to a max deal (four years, $223 million), which only they can afford to do. But now he's free to do as he wants. 

Bookies.com oddsmaker Adam Thompson has revealed his hypothetical NBA odds as to where Harden plays next season. 

Where Will James Harden Play Next Season?

Odds are projected and do not reflect any odds that may be available at legal betting sites or betting apps.

Up to $1,250 on Caesars

Tap for Promo Activated! Bet Now ➜

Used 77 Times Today • Popular in Virginia

Harden isn’t the player he was in Houston, when he had the power to get the ball to the hoop at will and scored as much as he wanted on anyone. He’s still scoring 20-plus per game but has transitioned into a playmaker, one that’s averaged over 10 assists per game in each of the last six seasons.  

The 2021-22 season, however, was also the worst shooting campaign of his career. As he enters his age 33 season, teams may be wary to give him the massive long-term deal he prefers. 

The most-likely scenario is Harden continues to work on an extension with the Sixers on a longer-term and more team-friendly contract. 

But Harden reportedly didn’t mesh well with 76ers coach Doc Rivers, perhaps making a big deal with the Sixers less likely than some expect. 

There are several contending teams that are projected to be in need of a point guard who can score 20 and dish out 10 per game. The Celtics and Suns (if Chris Paul moves on or retires) top the list. But teams have tried and failed to incorporate Harden into a No. 2 offensive option. 

Harden wants to win now as the sun begins to set on a Hall of Fame career, so leaving free agency to join the cash-rich Magic, for example, seems unlikely. 

The Wizards are hoping to ink Bradley Beal to a max deal but are cognizant that the team needs more. A sign-and-trade is a possibility here for other teams that want to fork over four years and $200 million. Several teams have shown hope the Chicago Bulls could be talked into trading away Zach LaVine in a similar sign-and-trade. 

There is also the possibility Harden gets one last chance at being part of a superteam. The Pelicans, with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram (and CJ McCollum), and the Clippers with a hopefully healthy Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, make a lot of sense. 

Get $200 in Bonus Bets when you Bet $10 on March Matchups

Tap for Promo Activated! Bet Now ➜

Used 14 Times Today • Popular in Virginia