While 76ers GM Daryl Morey may claim to be "unmoved" by the viral video of James Harden calling Morey a "liar", with whom Harden claims he would never again work, James Harden's recent public statements have certainly caused a stir within the Philadelphia 76ers organization, and the impact is reverberating to the betting market. The former MVP is making headlines with his very public expression of dissatisfaction with 76ers general manager Daryl Morey, sparking curiosity and uncertainty about his future.
At a recent event speaking with youth basketball players in China, Harden stated, “Daryl Morey is a liar, and I will never be a part of an organization that he's a part of.” Harden made sure to drive the point home. "Let me say that again," Harden told the enthralled audience, "Daryl Morey is a liar, and I will never be a part of an organization that he's a part of."
This statement has reinforced his discontent. While over the weekend, Morey and the 76ers announced they have halted trade talks involving Harden and expect him to report to training camp in late September, the betting market is suggesting otherwise.
BetOnline's Betting Harden-Based Markets
According to the latest odds from BetOnline.au, the betting market sees a strong likelihood of Harden not attending training camp, with odds at -500, implying an approximate probability of 80%. If you do think Harden will make an appearance at the 76ers training camp, the takeback for the "Yes" wager in this market is +300 (~20%).
Will James Harden attend Philadelphia 76ers Training Camp?
No -500 (~80%)
Yes +300 (~20%)
BetOnline has installed the odds of him playing a game for the 76ers during the 2023-24 season as an even more significant longshot, with the "No" answer at -1500, implying roughly a 91% chance against it.
Will James Harden play a game for the 76ers during the 2023-24 season?
No -1500 (~91%)
Yes +600 (~9%)
This developing situation around Harden's stance has led the betting market to consider his next possible destination. Among the favorites are the Los Angeles Clippers, followed by the Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, and New York Knicks. These odds are consistent with the intense interest seen during the NBA's free agency period, captured in a previous Pregame.com article in June detailing the initial odds after Harden picked up his $35.6 million option and requested a trade. As was the case, the Clippers remain the favorite to land Harden in a potential swap.
James Harden Next Team IF not the 76ers
Los Angeles Clippers -250
Chicago Bulls +600
Houston Rockets +700
New York Knicks +900
Miami Heat 10/1
Atlanta Hawks 11/1
Dallas Mavericks 14/1
New Orleans Pelicans 16/1
Toronto Raptors 18/1
Memphis Grizzlies 20/1
San Antonio Spurs 25/1
76ers 2023-2024 Future Odds Update
Harden's public discontent has indeed influenced the 76ers' title odds. Initially, at 13/1, they dropped to 16/1 following the trade request and have remained at that level despite recent events. Comparing this to last season's odds shows a slight decrease in optimism for the 76ers. They began the 2022-2023 season at 14/1, reaching 11/1 by Pregame.com consensus odds when entering the playoffs, and peaking at +350 title-favorites briefly when they took a 3-2 lead over the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.
The 76ers' win total Over/Under, standing at 49.5, was posted well after Harden's trade request, and thus already reflects the impact of his possible departure. The number was not affected by Monday's Harden/Morey drama. This number shows a modest dip from last year's Over/Under of 52.5 games, over which the team secured 54 wins. Unlike the Title Odds market, which opened around the start of the 2023 NBA Finals and has since adjusted, the win total odds have remained consistent and have already priced in the uncertainty surrounding Harden's future with the team. The decline in these odds captures the adjusted expectations for the 76ers, whether with a discontented Harden or without him altogether.
The recent odds and the reaction within the betting market symbolize the urgency and complexity surrounding Harden's position in Philadelphia. The team's choice to end trade talks, along with Morey's seeming reported indifference to Harden's remarks, only adds layers to this evolving scenario.
As the date for training camp nears and the tension escalates, this situation underscores the unpredictable dynamics of both the NBA and the betting markets. While the Sixers might appear indifferent to Harden's declarations, the betting world is actively recalibrating and will be monitoring closely as events continue to unfold.
History Repeating Itself? A Deeper Dive into James Harden's Trade Saga
James Harden's recurring demands for a trade have become a significant storyline in the NBA. In late 2020, Harden appeared overweight and disinterested as he waited for a trade away from Houston. Upon joining Brooklyn, he almost immediately transformed, becoming a top 3 MVP favorite by March of that year. Despite this reinvigoration, a late-season injury, followed by further setbacks during the playoffs and the subsequent season, derailed any chance of him earning another league MVP or the Nets taking home the ultimate prize. With the Nets, moments of brilliance were overshadowed by these injuries and internal issues, leading to discontentment, and a trade request in early 2022. Now, in 2023, with the Philadelphia 76ers, he has made perhaps his loudest trade request yet - publicly attacking Morey and, by extension, the franchise. This series of requests paints a vivid picture of a player restless for success, driven by both highs, such as leading the league in scoring for three consecutive seasons (2017-2020), and lows, including the infamous Game 7 loss to the Warriors in 2018.
This is not the first time Daryl Morey has faced such a predicament. As the 76ers' General Manager, Morey has shown resolve in handling intricate player situations. He notably refused to trade a disgruntled Ben Simmons for anything short of an "impact" player. That hardline stance led to acquiring James Harden, a move echoing Morey's previous maneuvers to appease Harden in Houston, like acquiring Chris Paul and later Russell Westbrook.
The parallels between Harden's repeated trade demands and Morey's prior refusal to trade Simmons for less than value bring an added layer of complexity to the situation. They also underscore the intricate dance within the NBA, where player preferences, organizational strategies, and market realities collide. The ever-shifting dynamics reflect the volatile yet compelling relationship between Morey and Harden, colored by success, trust, and occasional betrayal.
How this current saga unfolds will be keenly observed by fans, pundits, and bettors alike, as it will undoubtedly influence the league's landscape and betting market.
Stay tuned to Pregame.com, the home for the smartest and most savvy sports betting audience, for real-time odds updates and the latest insights on this story and others.
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