The Sun’s Jusuf Nurkic reveals why he does not expect a trade before the deadline
Yusuf Nurkic was in trade rumors The last few weeks, but he also hasn’t seen the court in a while. Nurkic was brought out after being the team’s starting center, and while that could signal a trade in the works, he believes he will he is still with the team past the trade deadline.
“Yeah, for sure,” Nurcic said, via Suns Reporter Duane Rankin. “Because we are Phoenix Suns And the new (collective bargaining agreement) and all the rules, it’s not easy to trade when you’re over another tax bracket. Even that, I can’t control. “
The Suns were looking to improve their team, and they did so by acquiring Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets. That means the Suns now have a logjam at center, and Nurkic appears to be the odd man out. Not only was Nurkic removed from the rotation, but he and head coach Mike Budenholzer have not spoken In two months.
“We don’t have a relationship,” said Nurkic. “So it’s fine. For me, just be a professional and do the best you can. Work and stay ready for anything that might come up, but there’s no chaos or bringing that into this team. They already have a lot of that. Trying to be as professional as possible I can work ass for something else.”
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Budenholzer responded to those comments and said he understands Nurkic’s frustrations, but he has to earn his minutes.
“There were conversations they had,” Budenholzer said. “There’s been communication, but we have three or four guys playing the same position. We’re going with who we think gives us the best chance. You have to earn your minutes. And that’s communicated.”
There is still a good chance Nurcic can be traded, but the real question is where they would send him. The Suns are still rumored to be trying to land Jimmy Butler, but it’s going to take a lot for that to happen.
2025-01-26 18:16:00
