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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 23: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks drives against Jalen Smith #25 of the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter at State Farm Arena on December 23, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Clippers have been struggling to win games all season long. Their start was one of the most disappointing starts in the NBA, despite getting a solid offensive season from James Harden. Right now, the Clippers sit 12th in the Western Conference standings.
Even so, the Clippers have played much better basketball lately. They have won seven of their last eight games, mainly thanks to Kawhi Leonard. Leonard has stepped up his game and turned into a phenomenal scorer. Still, they need more consistent offense.
A wild trade proposal from The Athletic would see the Clippers add Trae Young to help that offense get the point guard they have been missing.
GettyAtlanta Hawks guard Trae Young dribbles the ball. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers Add Trae Young in Surprising Trade Proposal
Here is the full trade proposal:
LA Clippers receive: Young Hawks receive: John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanović, Kobe Brown, 2030 Clippers’ lottery-protected first-round pick
This trade would allow Los Angeles to keep both Leonard and Harden as they try to make a push for the playoffs. Young gets a chance to play next to Leonard, who can help cover up his defensive deficiencies. Not only that, but Young can have a fresh start elsewhere.
For the Hawks, this trade would give them Collins and Bogdanovic back, both of whom are liked by the fanbase. The real prize in this trade is the 2030 first-round pick, though. That pick could be very valuable, especially if LA doesn’t re-sign Young to a contract extension.
Not parting ways with either Harden or Leonard would be a hard sell for Atlanta, but Young’s trade value has gone down over the last few months. They might be stuck giving Young up for way less than what they think he is worth in order to make the rest of the team work for this season.
GettyLos Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard dribbles the ball. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
The Clippers Still Need Offensive Help
Adding Young to the fray would certainly help an offense that needs a push. Right now, the Clippers have the 12th-best offense, so they are firmly average in that category. Even if they don’t add Young, they are going to need to add someone else who can elevate the offense.
Defensively, the Clippers sit with the fifth-worst defense in the NBA. Adding Young would only make that worse, but the biggest issue is not having good defense in the paint. Leonard has also only played 25 games, so he hasn’t been available to help their perimeter defense.
Los Angeles owes their pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder this season, so it has no incentive to tank. The Clippers have to make the playoffs in order to make this a successful season. This is why they are a team to watch when the trade deadline approaches next month.
Even if they don’t add a superstar player, they are likely going to add at least one piece at the deadline. They are going to do whatever it takes to make the playoffs.