NBA Mock Trade: James Harden makes blockbuster homecoming as Clippers acquire Fred VanVleet

The probe into Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers’ $28 million no-show deal has put the franchise’s future in question. Speculation is mounting that stars could exit, with James Harden rumored for a blockbuster homecoming that might also bring Fred VanVleet to Los Angeles.

The Clippers have developed a veteran roster centered around Leonard, having added Chris Paul and Bradley Beal, which generated optimism about the team's prospects. However, recent allegations against Steve Ballmer and Leonard have raised concerns about the Clippers' future, resulting in many proposed mock trades for the team.

Among the many fan ideas, a mock trade on Reddit has drawn significant attention. In it, James Harden would make a sensational return to the Rockets, while Fred VanVleet would head the other way, alongside Jabari Smith Jr. and Aaron Holiday.

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This trade would give the Houston Rockets a chance to fill the void left by Fred VanVleet’s injury with a former fan favorite. Harden would return to team up with former OKC teammate Kevin Durant, and together with Clint Capela, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson, they could form one of the deadliest teams in the West.

On the other hand, the Clippers could start a rebuild amid the Kawhi Leonard controversy. Holding multiple veteran players, Fred Van Vlett and Aaron Holiday would be perfect trade options, while Jabari Smith Jr. could build a young front court alongside Ivica Zubac.

However, despite its appeal, this mock trade couldn’t happen before October 8th, as VanVleet and Holiday signed contracts less than three months ago. Additionally, it wouldn’t benefit either team as VanVleet is an injured guard that the Clippers are unlikely to target. Meanwhile, Jabari Smith Jr. and Aaron Holiday remain key pieces in the Rockets’ rotation.

NBA Insider suggests the Clippers trade their draft capital to help James Harden and Co. amid Kawhi Leonard's scandal

With the NBA reportedly investigating Kawhi Leonard’s dealings with the Clippers, insider Tom Haberstroh has urged the team to trade their draft picks. He believes this could help the Clippers avoid losing them if the league rules against them.

"The Clippers could push all of their chips to the middle and float a draft-pick package — say, two unprotected firsts and a 2031 swap — and pursue another star to complement James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Bradley Beal and Ivica Zubac," he wrote.

The NBA writer believes the draft capital can be used to help James Harden and co. get another star into the team while minimizing the risks of forfeiting their draft assets.

Edited by Bhargav