NBA Odds and News: Harden Continues with the Clippers

NBANEWS
July 1, 2025

NBA Odds and News

James Harden Re-Signs with Clippers for $81.5 Million, NBA Future Lines Recalibrate

 

A Strategic Move to Preserve L.A.’s Star Core

 

James Harden has made the move many expected — but it still reverberated across the NBA and the betting world: the veteran guard declined his $36.3 million player option for the 2025–26 season and will instead sign a new two-year deal worth $81.5 million with the Los Angeles Clippers. This decision not only secures his role alongside Kawhi Leonard, but it has also immediately impacted NBA odds, those probabilities bettors scrutinize daily for value.

 

An Extension That Keeps L.A.’s Championship Project Alive

 

At 35, Harden has amassed countless individual honors but still lacks the championship ring. This new deal shows he still believes in the Clippers’ project, especially while teaming with Leonard, who is also under contract through 2027.

Harden’s extension isn’t just a gesture of loyalty—it’s a strategic move to keep the team competitive for the next two seasons. From a betting perspective, this continuity significantly boosts the Clippers’ NBA 2nd Half Lines as genuine Western Conference contenders.

 

Still Impressive Numbers

 

Age hasn’t slowed Harden. In the 2024–25 season, over 79 games, he averaged 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds, earning a spot on the All-NBA Third Team and marking his eighth All-NBA selection.

He also led the entire postseason in assists, averaging 9.1 per game, even though the Clippers exited in the first round to the Denver Nuggets.

These stats didn’t go unnoticed by sportsbooks: Harden’s late-season surge helped improve the Clippers’ NBA odds, especially during their 18–3 finish to the regular season.

 

Direct Impact on NBA Odds

 

Before Harden’s re-signing, the Clippers were listed at about +2800 odds to win the 2025–26 NBA title on most platforms. After the announcement, some sportsbooks adjusted the odds to +2200 or even +2000, reflecting expectations of a strong and healthy season.

In the Western Conference market, the Clippers also made significant gains. With the Lakers in transition and the Suns losing Durant, L.A.’s stability enhances their value in long-term bets. Locking in stakes now could pay off before odds drop further.

 

A Star Duo Locked In Through 2027

 

This contract is significant because it aligns Harden’s deal with Kawhi Leonard’s, who is also signed through 2027. That consistency maintains championship hopes while the Clippers retain a veteran core.

For bettors, this means consistent stats and performance forecasts—crucial for both weekly game lines and futures markets.

 

A Legend Still Making History

 

James Harden continues climbing the NBA history ranks. With 27,687 career points, he’s closing in on Carmelo Anthony (28,289) and Shaquille O’Neal (28,596) on the all-time scoring list. He also ranks second in three-pointers made (3,175), trailing only Stephen Curry.

In assists, he sits 13th all-time with 8,316, trailing Andre Miller by just 208 and Gary Payton by 650.

These milestones open up enticing betting markets under NBA 1st Half Lines, like “Most Threes in a Season,” “Most Assists,” or milestone-based props tied to historical records.

 

Betting Tips: How to Capitalize on Harden’s Stay in L.A.

 

If you’re considering bets involving Harden or the Clippers, here are four innovative strategies tied to this contract renewal:

Futures Bets

The Los Angeles Clippers still offer value in the championship, conference, and division futures. With a healthy, full roster, they could outperform expectations. Current NBA second-half lines are favorable before the season starts.

 

Player Props: Harden

Expect consistent stats: look for lines like “over 8.5 assists per game” or “triple-double in a given game.” Harden is also a contender for “Player of the Month” stretches when Kawhi is sidelined.

 

Key Matchup Markets

Harden shines in high-profile games. Props in marquee games (vs. Lakers, Suns, Warriors) can be particularly valuable—think points, threes, or assist markets. Combination Bets with Kawhi

In games featuring both stars, combo bets can pay well, e.g., both scoring 20+ points, or total combined assists and rebounds over a set line.

 

Is This Harden’s Last Shot at an NBA Ring?

 

After 17 seasons and countless honors, the one award missing from Harden’s résumé is the NBA championship ring. This deal with the Clippers might be his final opportunity to chase it.

Savvy bettors can leverage this narrative in niche markets, such as “Finals MVP,” “Oldest Player to Post a Triple-Double,” or estate-based specials that sportsbooks are now offering.

 

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