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At this time is the begin of the 2023 NBA Free Company, which beings right now at 6 PM EST. At this time permits groups to speak and negotiate contracts with gamers, nonetheless, these contracts can’t be signed till July sixth, 2023. On this article, we are going to break down James Harden, and his odds to land with sure groups. It is without doubt one of the most unpredictable instances of the yr, and all eyes shall be watching tonight. In case you are in search of the perfect betting odds and stats, right here is info to know.

Restricted vs. Non-Restricted Free Brokers

It’s crucial to know the distinction between a restricted and non-restricted free agent.  When a participant turns into an unrestricted free agent, it means they’re free to speak and signal with any staff.  With a restricted free agent, these gamers have the identical proper to speak to different groups, nonetheless their former staff can match a proposal and resign the participant.  That is necessary, as a result of it is going to have an effect on the chances relating to betting on the signing of a specific participant.

Notable Largest 2023 Free Brokers 

James Harden- Philadelphia 76ers

James Harden is a star within the NBA, and his identify just isn’t new relating to free company.  In his 13-year NBA Profession, Harden has performed with the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, and the Philadelphia 76ers. We’ve seen Harden Traded to the Rockets, the place he signed a four-year $160 million extension in 2017.  Moreover, he’s been traded to the Brooklyn Nets, and from there, the 76ers.

This week, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that James Harden would choose into his $35.6 wage subsequent season, and that the “76ers would work collectively to discover a commerce.”  There was assumption that Harden would stay with the franchise, particularly after they employed Head Coach Nick Nurse, nonetheless, that’s not the case.

Based on Sam Amick, from the Athletic, James Harden was “extraordinarily upset” with the Sixers dealing with of the state of affairs and made his dissatisfaction clear to the group.” Harden has an opportunity to win with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, together with a brand new head coach, however needs to depart the group.  Let’s break down his contract, and odds to land with sure groups.

Present Contract

2 Years, $68,640,000

Yr                Base Wage
2022-2023      $33,000,000
2023-2024      $35,640,000
2024                Unrestricted Free Agent.

*Statistics courtesy of Spotrac*

Staff Odds to Land James Harden

*Odds Courtesy of PointsBet*

Staff         Odds

Rockets     +150
Clippers    +200
Knicks       +300
Lakers       +600
Suns          +1000

Houston Rockets +150

James Harden spent nearly a decade of his profession with the Houston Rockets, and rumors have been swirling that there could also be a potential return again to Houston. The Rockets are a very younger staff and employed new Head Coach Ime Udoka.  A veteran presence can be nice for this Houston staff, who has a mean age of twenty-two.3.  The Rockets chosen guard Amen Thompson on this yr’s draft, to play alongside guard Jalen Inexperienced.  Though James Harden is 33 years previous, it’s exhausting to examine him having a task off the bench. It was reported this week, Jalen Inexperienced made feedback on a podcast, which didn’t sit proper with James Harden. 

Based on Kelly Iko, from the Athletic, “James Harden caught wind of Jalen’s podcast with Paul George, and he wasn’t too eager on among the issues Jalen Inexperienced was saying… For Jalen to say it might be good, it might be dangerous, James didn’t like that very a lot.  

It’s necessary to notice the Houston Rockets have the most cap area ($52 million) within the NBA and has some items to maneuver for James Harden.  The query is, can Harden overcome Greens feedback, and is he prepared to guide a younger core? 

Los Angeles Clippers +200

To me, the Los Angeles Clippers take advantage of sense for James Harden.  Though the Clippers have superstars in Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, each haven’t been in a position to keep wholesome, and underachieved within the playoffs.  The Clippers are over the cap area by $71 million, nonetheless, have the belongings to commerce for Harden.  Based on Sam Amick of The Athletic, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George “are mentioned to be on board with the concept of Harden probably becoming a member of their core.” Additionally, there have been stories that Harden desires to play with Clippers, per Sports activities Illustrated.

Why the Clippers make sense.

The Los Angeles Clippers have been with out Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in 2022-2023 playoffs on account of damage.  The Clippers completed fifth within the Western Convention and picked up veteran guard Russell Westbrook, who’s now a free agent. We’ve seen Harden hyperlink up with different all-starts, similar to Kevin Durant, Westbrook, and Kyrie Irving. If Leonard and George can keep wholesome, this could be a probably scary lineup, particularly with the competitors within the Western Convention.  With the brand new CBA popping out, it may probably have an effect on a deal like this, or the organizations financially capability to construct across the stars.

The Clippers had level guards up to now, similar to Terrance Mann, Reggie Jackson, John Wall, and most lately, Russell Westbrook. Together with damage issues, it actually feels Los Angeles has lacked a real level guard who can create their very own shot, and rating.  When wholesome, each George and Leonard have lacked a real expert level guard.  Though the Clippers are over the cap area, they’ll provide future first spherical picks and gamers.  That features Marcus Morris ($ 17 Million), Nicolas Batum ($11 Million), Robert Covington ($11 Million), or Regular Powell ($18 Million). To be this take advantage of sense for Harden to return to his hometown and likelihood to win an NBA Championship.

New York Knicks +300

The Knicks acquired begin guard Jalen Brunson final free company and shocked many by making the playoffs.  The Knicks have expertise round Brunson, together with RJ Barrett ($23 Million), Julius Randle ($25 Million), Josh Hart ($12 Million), and Mitchell Robinson ($15, Million).  Though Barrett is a superb participant, James Harden might be the participant the Knicks so badly want alongside Jalen Brunson. In accordance the Spotrac, the New York Knicks are over the cap area by $24 million.  

Jalen Brunson is an unbelievable, participant, and I do suppose he’s a greater level guard then Harden is presently.  We’ve seen James Harden play off the ball with Kyrie Irving, and I personally really feel he’s higher with the ball in his fingers. It could be exhausting to examine how Brunson and Harden would work alongside one another, contemplating they’re main ball handlers. The Knicks declined to select up Derrick Rose $15 million and have future first spherical picks.  Nevertheless, the doubtless hood of them sending Barrett or Randle might be doubtless.  I really consider there are higher locations for James Harden. 

Los Angeles Lakers +600

In an ideal world, James Harden would make sense for the Lakers.  Los Angeles has stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis and have experimented with the purpose guard place for a while now.  From Russell Westbrook to D’Angelo Russell, the Lakers have struggled to discover a true level guard who can rating, create their very own shot constantly, and dish out the ball.  The Lakers are dropping gamers in Malik Beasley and Mo Bamba, and solely have a handful of gamers on contracts presently.

Austin Reaves proved how priceless he’s as a guard within the playoffs. It’s necessary to notice each him and Rui Hachimura are each free brokers.  The Los Angeles Lakers are over the cap area by $104 million, nonetheless, may actually use Harden on the level.

Phoenix Suns +1000

Based on Sam Amick of the Athletic, James Harden has “severe curiosity” in getting traded to the Suns for a number of causes, together with the very fact he attended Arizona State College, owns a home in Phoenix, and considers it his “third residence of kinds.” 

As everyone knows, Bradley Beal was traded from the Washington Wizards to the Phoenix Suns, which leaves them $80 million over the cap area.  Though Chris Paul was included within the commerce deal, the Suns owe the subsequent 7 years of first spherical picks to the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards.  As well as, the suns don’t have many commerce items, apart from Deandre Ayton.  Apart from, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Ayton, the Suns have Cameron Payne and Ishmail Wainright. The Suns are missing financially freedom and lack of depth presently.  Earlier than the Beal commerce, I’d say Harden to the suns makes excellent sense, however now it’s trying like an extended shot. 

Different choices

There could also be different Darkhorse groups thought of, such because the Boston Celtics, and the Miami Warmth.  My prediction would be the Clippers, primarily based off their belongings to commerce, and the very fact they’ve two superstars there.  Nevertheless, with Max Strus and Gabe Vincent not assured to return again, Miami wants a real playmaker alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.  Brad Stevens and the Celtics traded again a number of instances within the draft. Have they got one thing up their sleeves?