NBA Trade Rumors: James Harden Lands in Atlanta in Proposed Blockbuster Deal

The Los Angeles Clippers have been a train wreck this season, veering off the tracks with a 5-16 record, second-from-last in the entire Western Conference. Even with Kawhi Leonard finally back in the lineup, they've still lost five straight.

Will they finally decide to blow it up, and give up on this current iteration of the team? If so, could a James Harden trade be on the docket? He has a player option for next season at $42 million, but only $13.3 million of it is guaranteed until June 29.

If the Clippers pull the plug and ship out Harden, would they look at trying to deal him for another tarnished superstar?

Dan Favale of Bleacher Report has proposed the following blockbuster deal that would send The Beard to the ATL:

Atlanta Hawks receive:

James Harden
Brook Lopez
2030 first-round pick
2031 first-round swap

LA Clippers receive:

Trae Young

Adding Young in place of Harden gets the Clips a star who is nearly 10 years younger, and still in his prime. "At Young's peak, he gives the Clippers someone who can lead the league in assists while pumping in over 25 points per game," Favale writes.

Young does have a player option next season and could become a free agent in the summer, but if the Clippers intend to keep him, they "will have someone who helps now and lays the bedrock of their future".

Are the Hawks finally ready to pull the plug on the Trae Young era?

The Hawks have gone 11-6 without Young in the lineup since his injury at the end of October. Their defense, in particular, had improved greatly, though it's had some hiccups lately. They are still 8th in the NBA overall in defensive rating.

As well, an increase in sharing the ball without Trae in the lineup has resulted in more passing and assists, usually a telltale sign of a winning team.

So yes, they know they can win without him, and trading Young wouldn't be an issue, especially if getting back a star player in return. "Harden comes at a cheaper price point this season and next and still keeps the Hawks relevant," writes Favale.

But we must ask: Would taking on Harden leave the Hawks back where they were with the same defensive challenges they had under Trae, and remove the 'sharing the ball' paradigm that's worked so well for them?

It's an intriguing proposition, but we think it's the Hawks that say 'No' to this deal.