Hawks stance on James Harden is crystal clear amid star's interest

James Harden is interested in the Atlanta Hawks, but the team isn’t biting. 

The basketball world was sent into a frenzy last night when it was reported that James Harden was on the market. A variety of potential suitors were listed, including a personal interest from the 2018 MVP in Atlanta (subscription required).

Onsi Saleh, however, did not return the favor. Marc Stein reported that the Hawks have not been interested in Harden since trading Trae Young, and that the team has “abandoned searching for aggressive moves.”

Saleh has emphasized patience, long-term flexibility, and the importance of acquiring good contracts over good players. This is a sharp turn from previous regimes in Atlanta, such as Landry Fields, whose first significant move was to trade two firsts and a swap for Dejounte Murray.

With this philosophical background, it is clear why Saleh is not interested in a second blockbuster move. Harden just doesn’t fit Saleh’s model of teambuilding.

He is 36 years old with a player option to make $42 million next season. Atlanta would be sacrificing all of its cap space – the cap space they traded franchise legend Trae Young to create – for a two-year rental on a flawed player.

While fans may not yet understand the value of Saleh’s perspective, his hesitation on moves like a Harden trade is what makes him such a valuable leader.

Harden doesn’t fit this team in any regard

It’s no secret the Hawks lack reliable shot creation, but Harden is not the solution Quin Snyder has in mind.

Atlanta has quietly developed an extremely attractive and effective offensive scheme. Despite not having any true superstars on offense, the Hawks rank 11th in the league in EFG%. 

Their offense has been powered by a quick-hitting scheme that notably performed better without Young, who notoriously slowed down the game. Adding James Harden, an even greater black hole than Young, would only undermine the identity Snyder is building.

Snyder isn’t the only one who would be undermined by this move. Saleh has prioritized finding "the next Nickeil [Alexander-Walker]” in free agency this offseason. As Atlanta proved last summer with Alexander-Walker, you can sign players for below their market value by having money to spend in free agency. 

This is the safer option for rebuilding this team. The Hawks will have approximately $25 million in cap space (subject to change depending on their lottery results). With this, they could again sign a Nickel-type player while hoping to land a top pick and add a star organically.

And let’s be real. This team isn’t suddenly winning a ring with Harden on the team. Saleh is wise not to get antsy and act prematurely.