James Harden has shown interest in the Atlanta Hawks as a potential landing spot while the Los Angeles Clippers continue to explore trade options ahead of Thursday’s NBA deadline.
Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported Tuesday on The Stein Line that Harden has “eyed Minnesota and Atlanta as teams that appeal to him as potential landing spots” at various points this season. The report stressed that neither the Timberwolves nor the Hawks are expected to actively pursue a deal.
Atlanta’s situation has changed significantly since earlier trade windows. The Hawks dealt Trae Young to the Washington Wizards on January 9, removing the on-ball star pairing that once made Harden-to-Atlanta scenarios more plausible.
According to Stein and Fischer, the Clippers also showed no interest in a Harden-for-Young framework before the move. Atlanta has since pivoted away from aggressive roster swings following Young’s departure.
The Hawks currently sit 10th in the Eastern Conference at 24-27, occupying the final play-in spot. The front office has prioritized stability after reshaping the roster, rather than adding a high-salary veteran at the deadline.
Atlanta’s current core features Jalen Johnson, Kristaps Porzingis, Onyeka Okongwu, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and CJ McCollum. The group has produced a top-10 offense by points per game, but the organization has taken a measured approach toward further consolidation.
Stein and Fischer added that the Hawks have “largely abandoned searching for aggressive moves” after previously pursuing Dallas’ Anthony Davis earlier this season. That context further dampens the likelihood of a Harden deal materializing.
Harden’s name remains prominent on the trade market as the Clippers evaluate their direction. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Los Angeles and the 11-time All-Star are aligned in discussions with multiple interested teams.
Charania noted that Harden’s contract has enabled flexibility. The guard is in the first year of a two-year, $81.5 million deal with a player option for next season that carries a partial guarantee.
On the court, Harden has delivered strong production. He is averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds while logging 35.4 minutes per game as the Clippers’ primary creator.
Despite that output, Los Angeles is ninth in the Western Conference at 23-26. The team has hovered in the play-in range while struggling to maintain consistency alongside Kawhi Leonard.
Harden also holds a no-trade clause, giving him control over any potential destination. That leverage allows him to express preferred markets even if those teams are unlikely to engage.
