The Atlanta Hawks had a harsh lesson to come to terms with Trae Young, as they were essentially forced to trade him amid his low market value because he is turnover-prone and cannot play defense. Atlanta’s disappointing return for Young correlates to James Harden, as they play awfully similarly, possibly yielding the LA Clippers a comparable return and underwhelming interest for the former MVP.
Atlanta had a four-time All-Star, first option who led them to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2015, and the 2024-25 NBA assists champion. These are all superstar ranks, and who did they land? Two players, CJ McCollum and Cory Kispert, both non-all-stars, and no draft picks.
Thus, the Hawks’ return must have the Clippers wondering where Harden would stand on the trade market. Teams might call and expand talks beyond a base-level inquiry, yet could Lawrence Frank actually lure the package LA wants for the 11-time All-Star?
The Clippers’ best interest is to retain James Harden following the Hawks’ latest move
Size-wise, James Harden and Trae Young are different. But, in terms of play-style, they are each ball-dominant, pass-first point guards. Harden and Young will consistently post high point and assist totals, yet their turnovers and defensive weaknesses would be significant concerns.
What should also be noted is that Young is nine years younger and still has his prime ahead of him. The Washington Wizards essentially fleeced the Atlanta Hawks of a superstar with a bright, long career remaining in the NBA.
Moreover, Harden’s name was in the trade buzz in recent weeks. It might be even deeper now, considering his recent, underwhelming averages over the last three games of 19.0 points and 9.5 assists, shooting 41.4% from the field and 16.7% from a distance; the Clippers are 1-2 in this span.
With losses greater than wins, of a Hawks’ record of 2-8 when he plays, Young’s 2024-25 season averages of 19.3 points and 8.9 assists in ten games appear quite identical.
The similarities are blatantly obvious, and if Young was moved for a mediocre gain, the chances of the Clippers receiving a significant haul for their face of the franchise are low.
That said, the Clippers should just hold onto Harden. He is still a valuable piece to the team, with another all-star selection likely ahead, and if the front office cannot obtain what they desire, it is pointless to trade him.