Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum spoke on Monday about the trade rumors surrounding James Harden following their 128-113 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
“I really don’t know. So, unlike all of you guys, I heard about it. Can read about it. It’s happening. I haven’t heard anything from anyone. So, rumors though, this happened. So we’re during the game. So I really don’t know,” Batum said.
Batum explained that he only learned about the news after the game. “I only find out like after it. I don’t know… The deadline always rumors go around, names dropping. So, let’s see what happens,” he added.
When asked how players manage the uncertainty of trade season, Batum emphasized focusing on controllable aspects. “You get control of what you can control. You go out there, play the game, do what you have to do, go home, get ready for the next day, and then someone calls you to send you somewhere else, you do it,” he said.
The veteran forward reflected on the team’s strong performance this season. “I don’t know,” he admitted when asked if the timing of the news was surprising amid Clippers’ 17-4 stretch.
Monday’s game marked Harden’s second straight absence for personal reasons, with coach Tyronn Lue confirming he was at home in Phoenix. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 29 points, while Jordan Miller contributed 21 off the bench.
The 76ers, without Paul George, posted their fourth consecutive win, led by Tyrese Maxey’s 29 points, Dominick Barlow’s 26 points and 16 rebounds, and Joel Embiid’s 24 points in his return from a right ankle injury. Philadelphia built a 23-point halftime lead and never trailed.
Los Angeles, now 23-26 and ninth in the Western Conference, is in play-in contention despite a strong stretch of recent games. Leonard has performed at an All-NBA level, but the team has struggled with consistency on both ends.
Trade discussions continue between the Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers, with Harden, 36, reportedly considered in a swap for Darius Garland, 26. Cleveland is reportedly seeking draft compensation, while the Clippers have limited draft assets, complicating negotiations.
