The Phoenix Suns have finalized a deal to trade center Jusuf Nurkic and a 2026 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for wing Cody Martin, guard Vasilije Micic, and a 2026 second-round pick, as per Senior ESPN insider Shams Charania. This trade marks the end of Nurkic’s brief and turbulent tenure in Phoenix and signals the Suns’ continued efforts to reshape their roster ahead of the trade deadline.
Trade Details
Phoenix Suns Receive: Cody Martin, Vasilije Micic, and 2026 second-round pick
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Jusuf Nurkic and 2026 first-round pick
Nurkic, who has not played since January 7, fell out of the Suns’ rotation under head coach Mike Budenholzer. The 30-year-old center expressed his frustrations publicly, stating that he and Budenholzer “don’t have a relationship,” and that he was unsure why he had been benched.
While Nurkic had initially been viewed as a viable replacement for Deandre Ayton when Phoenix acquired him from Portland before the 2023-24 season, his inconsistent play, defensive liabilities, and turnovers ultimately led to his diminished role.
Before being benched, Nurkic started 23 games for the Suns this season, averaging 8.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. While he still offers rebounding and some passing ability, his lack of mobility made him a questionable fit alongside Phoenix’s trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. With Nurkic’s departure, the Suns will move forward with newly acquired Nick Richards and Drew Eubanks as their primary big men.
For Charlotte, the acquisition of Nurkic helps fill the void left by the recent trade of Mark Williams to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Hornets, sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, are in the midst of a roster retooling phase. Nurkic provides them with a veteran presence in the frontcourt and could serve as a mentor for younger players while stabilizing the team’s rebounding and interior defense.
On the other hand, the Suns prioritized adding wing depth and financial flexibility in this trade. Cody Martin, a 6’6” defensive-minded wing, will bring perimeter toughness and versatility to Phoenix.
Martin has spent his entire six-year career with the Hornets and is averaging 7.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists this season. While he is not a high-volume scorer, his ability to defend multiple positions could be valuable for a Suns team that has struggled with defensive consistency.
Vasilije Micic, a 30-year-old Serbian guard, adds another playmaking option to the Suns’ backcourt. A former EuroLeague MVP, Micic signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2023 before being traded to the Hornets. In limited playing time with Charlotte, he has averaged 7.5 points and 3.5 assists per game. Micic’s contract includes an $8 million team option for next season, giving Phoenix some financial flexibility moving forward.
This trade also has financial implications for both teams. Nurkic, in the third year of a four-year, $70 million deal, is owed $18.1 million this season and $19.3 million next season. By moving him, the Suns free up some cap space while acquiring players with more manageable contracts. Martin is under contract through next season at $8.6 million, while Micic’s deal is non-guaranteed for next year.
For Phoenix, this move is part of a broader strategy to remain competitive while keeping its roster balanced. While this trade is not a blockbuster, it does provide depth, defensive versatility, and some financial relief. With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, it remains to be seen whether the Suns will make additional moves to improve their standing in the tightly contested Western Conference.
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