PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JANUARY 21: Jusuf Nurkic #20 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the … [+]
NBA trade season has officially arrived with December 15th recently crossing the calendar, which means most players who signed in the offseason are eligible to now move elsewhere.
For the Phoenix Suns, one of the most aggressive teams in the marketplace truly all-in on winning a championship immediately due to their financial commitments, starting center Jusuf Nurkic is being dangled across the Association in exploratory trade talks.
According to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic, the Suns are “actively shopping” Nurkic hoping to find a deal before the February 6th trade deadline. Since the summer, Phoenix has been open to trading Nurkic, a league source confirmed to Forbes Sports.
Nurkic’s fit in Phoenix has been questioned since his arrival in 2023 in a deal that sent out former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton to the Portland Trail Blazers. So far this season, Nurkic is averaging 9.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 0.6 blocks on a pedestrian 55.4 true shooting percentage.
It’s been apparent that Phoenix is missing an athletic, defense-first center in place of Nurkic’s plodding style of play. And thus far, the advanced metrics prove Nurkic isn’t hold much on-court value to the Suns’ overall success.
Nurkic On Court (545 minutes): 110.6 OffRtg, 115.1 DefRtg, -4.6 NetRtg
Nurkic Off Court (857 minutes): 114.2 OffRtg, 114.3 DefRtg, -0.1 NetRtg
Simply removing Nurkic from the equation, Phoenix’s offensive rating jumps from No. 21 to No. 9 in team-wide rankings. Simply put, the veteran big man has been detrimental to them on that end of the floor more often than not.
As the Suns survey the trade market to find a taker for Nurkic, it’s important to remember apron rules that directly impact them. Since they are over both the first and second aprons, Phoenix is unable to aggregate salaries together while also not taking back more money than they send out in any deal.
It’s a complicated situation for Phoenix, especially when Nurkic’s value is at an all-time low due to his recent stretch of play. Realistically, Phoenix will have to attach either their 2031 first-round pick or potentially all of their remaining second-round draft capital.
With Nurkic making $18.2 million this season, Phoenix can bring back a real difference-maker in any trade. Whether it be a center or wing is to be determined, but expect more frontcourt help on the way if they ship out an entrenched starter.
Attempting to find a trade partner for Nurkic, keep an eye on a rebuilding situation willing to take on his large salary in exchange for draft picks. The Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers, and Washington Wizards all fit the billing as potential teams willing to help facilitate Nurkic’s exit from Phoenix.
Ironically enough, three of those options have attainable big man to replace their current starter: Isaiah Stewart (Detroit), Robert Williams III (Portland) and Jonas Valanciunas (Washington).
Phoenix will be one of the top teams to monitor over the next six weeks. Nurkic becomes one of their best bets to land an instant impact addition, thanks in large part due to his salary and not on-court production.
