This story has been updated to reflect the latest odds and developments.
The James Harden saga never ends.
After it was reported over the weekend that the 76ers ended trade talks involving Harden, the league leader in assists last season issued a response.
"Daryl Morey (Sixers president of basketball operations) is a liar, and I will never be a part of an organization that he's a part of," Harden said at a basketball camp in China.
It's almost unheard of for a superstar to make these claims about a team he's currently under contract with. Morey's and Harden's rise to prominence as general manager and player, respectively, have coincided with one another throughout the last decade in Houston and Philadelphia. Morey has been Harden's staunchest defender, even once calling him the greatest offensive player of all time.
For the relationship to have severed to this extent is a reminder of the brutal business that is the NBA.
Despite the theatrics, some things haven't changed. The Sixers still have some leverage: Harden is still under contract for one more season, so they don't have to move him.
Harden could refuse to play for the team or even not show up to training camp if he isn't dealt. We've seen this before from Harden. He pouted his way into trades from both the Rockets and Nets.
But as ESPN's Zach Lowe noted, it might not be that easy. Lowe wrote that a provision in the CBA states that any player who withholds playing services for more than 30 days after the start of the last season covered by his contract could be prohibited from entering free agency the following season.
Harden has one year left on his deal and is scheduled to become a free agent next summer. If he sits out without cause, it could create some complications.
Which team will Harden play his next regular-season minute for?
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Clippers | -280 |
| Sixers | +350 |
| Knicks | +600 |
| Heat | +800 |
| Lakers | +1800 |
Harden may despise Morey, but that doesn't mean Morey is going to give Harden away for free or even for pennies on the dollar. It's important to remember Harden opted into the last year of his deal this summer and then requested a trade because there was no market for him in free agency.
So there's certainly not going to be a trade market for a player on an expiring contract who has three trade requests in as many years.
Beyond his age, Harden consistently comes up short in key playoff moments. In this season's Eastern Conference semifinals, he only contributed a combined 22 points and 10 turnovers in the Game 6 and 7 losses against the Celtics.
Any team interested in Harden has to have the necessary assets, be in win-now mode, and be satisfied with losing him after the season. Few teams fit that criteria. Among them, the Clippers make the most sense. Harden also reportedly expressed a desire to join the team.
Harden's training camp destination - if he shows up - is a two-horse race between the Sixers and Clippers. No other team can send Morey an offer he'd consider accepting.
The problem is the Sixers ended trade discussions involving Harden because the Clippers reportedly didn't make any serious offers and were unwilling to depart with key young assets.
The Sixers and Harden are at a standstill. The Sixers won't relent to the demands of their disgruntled star, and few teams actually want Harden's services at his price and with his baggage.
The difference between this Harden situation and Ben Simmons' a few years ago is Simmons had problems with many of his teammates and coaches, too. Harden appears to maintain a good relationship with his teammates. His beef is simply with Morey and how he's managed Harden's contract situation over the last two offseasons.
It's unclear if the situation is so dire that Harden would abandon his Sixers teammates if he isn't traded. Although his comments Monday suggest he would.
The betting market seems to believe there's no reconciliation happening for Harden and Morey anytime soon. A month ago, Harden was -175 to start next season in a Clippers jersey and +225 to remain a Sixer.
Since his comments Monday morning, the Clippers are now -280, and the Sixers are +350. The Sixers' win total, however, remains unchanged. It's still 49.5.
It's hard to see a clear resolution that makes sense for either party. This situation won't end anytime soon and will likely creep into training camp in September.
Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on Twitter @soshtry for more basketball betting coverage.
