Batum 'Shocked' by Harden Trade to Cleveland

Veteran forward says James Harden was key for Clippers last season.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:16pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with overlapping planes of navy, crimson, and gold conveying the disruption and uncertainty caused by the Harden trade.The unexpected trade of star guard James Harden leaves the Clippers' roster in flux, as veteran forward Nicolas Batum expresses shock at the major shakeup.Cleveland Today

Nicolas Batum, the veteran forward for the Los Angeles Clippers, expressed surprise at the recent trade that sent James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Batum acknowledged Harden's importance to the Clippers, especially last season when teammate Kawhi Leonard was in and out of the lineup.

Why it matters

The Harden trade is a major shakeup for the NBA landscape, as the star guard leaves the Clippers after helping the team reach the playoffs last season. Batum's comments provide insight into how the Clippers' locker room is reacting to the unexpected move.

The details

Harden was a crucial part of the Clippers' rotation last season, stepping up when Leonard missed time due to injury. This year, Harden has continued to be a driving force for the team. Batum expressed surprise at the trade, saying he was 'shocked' by the news.

  • The trade was announced on March 30, 2026.

The players

Nicolas Batum

A veteran forward for the Los Angeles Clippers.

James Harden

An All-Star guard who was recently traded from the Clippers to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Kawhi Leonard

A star forward for the Los Angeles Clippers who has missed time due to injury.

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What they’re saying

“James was huge though for us, last year when Kawhi was in and out. he was the guy, and again this year like Kawhi missed”

— Nicolas Batum, Clippers Forward

The takeaway

Harden's departure from the Clippers is a significant loss for the team, as he had become a crucial part of their rotation and helped carry the load when other stars were out. Batum's comments highlight how unexpected and impactful this trade is for the Clippers organization.