The Phoenix Suns have found themselves at the center of trade rumors regarding starting center Jusuf Nurkic, but reports suggest the team is not actively pursuing a trade for the veteran big man—at least for now. Gerald Bourguet reported that while the Suns are not aggressively shopping Nurkic, they are open to exploring possibilities, particularly as the trade market begins to pick up momentum.
The Suns’ hesitation to actively shop Nurkic aligns with the reality of his current trade value. According to Bourguet, Nurkic’s market value is relatively low at this stage of the season, partly due to his performance and injury history. His contract, however, could gain appeal this summer as it transitions into an expiring deal, potentially making him a more valuable asset for teams looking to create financial flexibility.
Despite these considerations, the Suns’ reported desire for another big man in return could complicate any potential deals. Earlier reports linked the Suns to Jonas Valanciunas and Nikola Vucevic as possible targets (At Fadeaway World, we proposed a trade idea that would bring Nikola Vucevic to the Phoenix Suns.)
Both players are established veterans who could fit well in Phoenix’s rotation, but acquiring them would require the Suns to structure a deal that satisfies both their roster needs and their salary cap considerations.
Now in his second season with the Suns, Nurkic has struggled to replicate the impact he had earlier in his career. Averaging 8.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 24.2 minutes per game, his contributions have been solid but unspectacular. The Suns have also experimented with rotations that include Mason Plumlee and rookie Oso Ighodaro at the center position, further highlighting the team’s depth but also raising questions about Nurkic’s long-term fit.
Phoenix’s middling 15-17 record and 11th-place standing in the Western Conference underscore the urgency for changes to the roster. While Nurkic’s trade value may not be at its peak, the Suns have reportedly explored ways to strengthen their lineup, particularly in the frontcourt. As the trade deadline approaches, the team may revisit options, especially if they continue to hover around .500 and remain outside the playoff picture.
For now, the Suns appear content to hold onto Nurkic, with an eye on maximizing his trade value in the offseason if necessary. His expiring contract could make him a more enticing piece in a future deal, potentially allowing the Suns to target a high-impact player or address other roster needs. Until then, Nurkic will likely remain a part of Phoenix’s rotation as they attempt to climb back into playoff contention.
While rumors persist, the Suns’ approach reflects a calculated patience, recognizing that immediate moves might not yield the desired returns. If Nurkic can elevate his play in the coming months, it could shift the narrative and either solidify his role with the team or boost his trade value for a more strategic transaction.
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