Trade rumors circulate through the White Sox clubhouse, often going in one ear and out the other.

Occasionally, they linger.

It’s yet another challenge for a team enduring the worst season in the franchise’s history.

“We’re trying to move past the rough first half of the season, and with the trade deadline on July 30 approaching, there’s a lot of buzz,” said infielder Nicky Lopez. “This is my third trade deadline, so I’m used to hearing these rumors. Once we get through it and everyone focuses on playing, we can start improving. Right now, we just need to compete, and when we have runners on base, get them over and score them.”

Most players have experienced trade deadlines before. Imagine not knowing where you’ll be working next week.

“You never know what will happen in this job,” said catcher Korey Lee, who was traded last season. “You have to accept that you might be somewhere else next week.”

“There might be some uncertainty, but things will unfold as they should,” said infielder Paul DeJong, a veteran who could be traded.

Lee, a promising player in a key position, feels secure about not being traded.

“But I didn’t expect to be part of the trade deadline last year,” said Lee, who was traded to the Sox from the Astros for Kendall Graveman.

DeJong, however, said the uncertainty doesn’t affect his daily routine or anyone else’s. He prepares for games as usual.

“You have to,” he said. “It’s tough at times. It takes a lot of discipline and focus to play every day. Thinking about ‘what ifs’ doesn’t help.”

DeJong and Tommy Pham, another prime trade candidate, met with manager Pedro Grifol on Sunday morning.

“I’ve had a few good conversations with players,” Grifol said. “Just keeping everyone positive, trying to move forward. We need to continue developing and going through the process.”

The Sox lost their sixth consecutive game to the Royals on Saturday night. They’re 0-2 since Grifol emphasized focusing on the next two and a half months.

“Yesterday was a good day,” Grifol said. “Despite the losses, there are important wins for the future of this franchise.”

Grifol knows he might lose his best starter, Garrett Crochet, and his best player, Luis Robert Jr., before the deadline. The team is already on pace to break the 1962 Mets’ record for losses in a season.

“This question comes up daily, and it should with the trade deadline,” Grifol said. “But what can we do about it? Nothing. Even as an organization, you depend on what other teams are willing to give for your assets. It’s hard to make deals for superstars and potential superstars. Don’t worry about it.

“I’ve told some of the guys, ‘Want to make God laugh? Tell him your plans.’ We might think we’ll be here or there, but a higher power decides that.”