Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum addressed the trade rumors surrounding James Harden on Monday following their 128-113 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
“I really don’t know. So, unlike all of you, I’ve heard about it. I can read about it. It’s happening. I haven’t heard anything from anyone. So, according to rumors, this happened. So we’re during the game. So I really don’t know,” Batum said.
Batum explained that he only heard the news after the game. “I’m just finding out. I don’t know… The deadline is always rumored, names are dropped. So let’s see what happens,” he added.
When asked how players are dealing with the uncertainty of the trade season, Batum emphasized focusing on controllable aspects. “You get to control what you can control. You go out, 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 experienced 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 in the Clippers’ 17-4 stretch.
Monday’s game marked Harden’s second straight absence for personal reasons, with coach Tyronn Lue confirming he was home in Phoenix. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 29 points, while Jordan Miller contributed 21 points off the bench.
The 76ers, without Paul George, recorded their fourth straight 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 again.
Los Angeles, now 23-26 and ninth in the Western Conference, is in play-in contention despite a strong run of recent games. Leonard has performed at an All-NBA level, but the team has struggled with consistency on both ends.
Trade talks between the Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers continue, with Harden, 36, reportedly being considered in a trade for Darius Garland, 26. Cleveland is reportedly seeking draft compensation while the Clippers have limited draft assets, complicating negotiations.
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