The type of player the LA Clippers need in their starting rotation to win is in plain sight, and it has occurred more than once. The stints were in two different eras, roughly a decade apart, but having a superstar that passes first is key for any team to succeed, particularly for the Clippers.
LA had their first go-around with Chris Paul in ‘Lob City,’ where he was at the borderline of 20 points per game from the time he joined the team until his trade, while simultaneously becoming the franchise leader in assists. This title will be his for a long time, as the rest of the top ten are retired.
LA’s second experience is currently still active with James Harden. The team performed well despite having Paul George and Kawhi Leonard alongside flawed point guard presentation. However, last season was indeed something special with the former MVP.
Harden averaged 22.8 points and 8.7 assists, with his best stretch of games occurring when the team was healthy, explaining how the Clippers were able to finish the 2024-25 regular season in arguably the best way fans have ever seen from the franchise.
The deal with Harden is his age, as he entered the city lights of Los Angeles at 34. He will eventually have to be replaced, and although it hurts to comprehend, there is a fit that will soon be on the trade block for Lawrence Frank to study by the trade deadline.
The LA Clippers trading out James Harden for Trae Young with the Atlanta Hawks would correct the franchise’s path for the future
The LA Clippers should consider reaching out to the Atlanta Hawks and inquiring about Trae Young, who could be the next superstar in the trade portal. The massive rookie-contract extension he signed when his stardom was first on display expires soon, and there do not seem to be any talks on a long-term extension.
Furthermore, Young possesses the skillset Harden brings, and if the Clippers want to compete hereafter, they should consider making the painful trade of moving the 11-time All-Star to Atlanta for the college legend.
Assets such as picks will be attached from the Clippers’ side, but overall, LA has seen the blueprint of the style of guard they need, and with no reason to run away from a third trial, the front office should do what they can to attain Young and pay him immediately.