Atlanta Hawks rumors: Pros and cons to trading for James Harden
Pros to trading for James Harden
James Harden is an amazing basketball talent, and any team would be happy to have him on their roster. He’s a former Sixth Man of the year, league MVP, eight-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, three-time scoring champ, and the 2016-17 assists champion. Adding him to a lineup that already features superstar-in-the-making Trae Young would give the Atlanta Hawks one of the most exciting NBA teams.
Both Young and Harden are magnificent shooters and playmakers with elite handles and superb court vision. Having two-guards that can break down opposing defenses and literally score from anywhere on the court at will would give opposing teams nightmares as they prepare to face the Hawks. Harden’s similar yet advanced skillset to Young makes him the perfect mentor for Young as he continues to master his craft.
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As long as the Hawks hang onto Clint Capela, Onyeka Okongwu, and Cam Reddish, Harden and Young’s anemic defense shouldn’t be an issue. Barring any significant injuries to Young, the Hawks are near locks to make the playoffs this season, with most “experts” projecting the team as high as the seventh seed in the east.
Trading for Harden would only raise the floor and ceiling of this Hawks team that’s oozing with potential and ready to make some noise. It would be interesting to see the two crafty and ball-dominant guards surrounded by athletic bigs and sharpshooters on the wings. Both command double teams and know how to use their gravity to get their teammates open looks.
Any deal for Harden will likely involve John Collins. While Collins and Young have developed chemistry and look good together as a one-two punch, we are talking about a top-five player and the NBA leading scorer for the last three years and counting. Not having to decide on whether to offer Collins a max contract or not is also a bonus.
Adding a player of Harden’s caliber would put the Atlanta Hawks one or two moves away from contending for a championship, and maybe playing with a younger team and in a “weaker” conference can rejuvenate Harden and help him find the joy in the game he’s seemed to have lost in Houston.