James Harden is one of the most talented basketball players in the world, and his future in the NBA has been a topic of discussion for quite some time. Recently, there have been rumors about Harden potentially leaving the Houston Rockets and joining the Philadelphia 76ers. However, there are also reports that suggest that Harden may return to the Rockets for another season. In this article, we will compare the odds of James Harden joining the Rockets versus staying with the Sixers.
Firstly, let’s take a look at the odds of James Harden returning to the Houston Rockets. According to various sources, the Rockets have a 60% chance of retaining Harden for the upcoming season. There are several reasons why this could be the case. Firstly, Harden has spent eight seasons with the Rockets and has established himself as one of the franchise’s greatest players. He has also developed a strong bond with his teammates, particularly Russell Westbrook, who was traded to the Rockets last year. Additionally, the Rockets have made several moves this offseason to improve their roster, including acquiring Christian Wood and DeMarcus Cousins. These moves could convince Harden to stay with the team and give them another shot at winning a championship.
On the other hand, there are also reports that suggest that James Harden could be interested in joining the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers have a 40% chance of landing Harden, according to various sources. The main reason why Harden could be interested in joining the Sixers is because of their new head coach, Doc Rivers. Rivers is a highly respected coach in the NBA and has a reputation for getting the best out of his players. Additionally, the Sixers have two All-Stars in Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, which could make them an attractive destination for Harden.
However, there are also several factors that could make it difficult for James Harden to join the Sixers. Firstly, the Sixers would have to give up a lot of assets to acquire Harden, which could weaken their roster in the long run. Additionally, there are questions about how Harden would fit in with Embiid and Simmons, as all three players are used to being the primary ball-handler on their respective teams.
In conclusion, the odds of James Harden joining the Houston Rockets versus staying with the Philadelphia 76ers are relatively even. While Harden has a strong connection with the Rockets, he could be enticed by the prospect of playing for a respected coach like Doc Rivers and teaming up with two All-Stars in Embiid and Simmons. Ultimately, it will come down to what Harden values most in his career: loyalty to his current team or the opportunity to win a championship with a new one.
