The NBA trade season has already seen two trades, and several more are expected. While a true blockbuster deal may or may not happen, potential NBA title contenders could make an impactful move like Golden State trading for Dennis Schroder. According to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic, one such similar move could be Jusuf Nurkic, whom the Phoenix Suns are shopping.
The Phoenix Suns have been actively looking to trade starting center Jusuf Nurkic, league sources informed The Arizona Republic. The Suns are seeking a big in return, the sources said.
Phoenix Suns Center Officially On Trading Block, What Could They Get In Return?
It shouldn’t be surprising that Phoenix is looking to move Nurkic. The Suns, who have several issues, including injuries, are sitting on the edge of the playoffs, and Nurkic has been a big part of the problem.
“The center position in general, lack of size, and Nurkic’s horrendous start” were among several of Phoenix’s issues recently pointed out by Gerald Bourget of PHXN.com.
Phoenix has the same record and issues and has scuffled in December, just like last season. Just like a season ago, the Suns enter their Christmas Day matchup against Denver with a 14-14 record despite winning nine of their first 11 contests.
Also, like in 2023-24, Phoenix has gone 3-6 in December. The Suns have lost two in a row, giving up 250 points in those games, including a 117-90 setback to the Nuggets on Monday. The Suns are 12-9 all-time on Christmas Day, though they have lost their last three on December 25th and seven of 10.
Phoenix is tied with San Antonio (15-15) for 10th place in the West. The Suns have been awful on the road (-5.1 scoring differential) and have struggled against teams with a sub .500 winning percentage (5-7).
Jusuf Nurkic On The Market
Nurkic has struggled since coming over to Phoenix prior to the beginning of the 2023-24 season in a blockbuster deal. Nurkic came to the Valley of the Sun along with Grayson Allen from Milwaukee in the trade that saw Porltand receive Damian Lillard from the Bucks. Meanwhile, the Suns sent De’Andre Ayton and Toumani Camera to Portland.
After putting up his lowest scoring season (10.2) in 2023-24 since 2016-17, when he split time between Denver and Portland, he is having by far his most challenging time on the offensive end, at least in recent memory. The 7-footer from Bosnia and Herzegovina had difficulties early in his career, but he was learning the game then.
It is not just putting the ball in the basket that Nurkic is struggling with. Nurkic, one of the best passing big men, has struggled with that aspect as well as hitting the offensive boards. He has never been a good shooter, but he is taking a 3-pointer at a career-high 35.2% rate. In addition, his average shot distance of nearly 12 feet marks the first time that mark has been outside eight feet in his career.
Nurkic’s Stats and Defensive Ability
Nurkic is averaging 9.1 points, 1.7 assists, and 2.3 turnovers with shooting splits of 45.5/29.4/69.8. He has scored in double-figures in 12 of his 21 contests, including one 20-point burger, in 24.5 minutes over 21 appearances.
Nurkic’s assist percentage of 9.7% is the lowest of his career since his rookie campaign. Also, Nurkic’s 21.7% turnover percentage is the highest of his career. Furthermore, his PER of 12.9 is by far his worst career performance, and his -3.7 offensive box score is tied as a personal low.
On the plus side, Nurkic is still rebounding the ball well—especially on the defensive end. He has also been the Suns’ best defensive player. He has been extremely good around the rim and very active, whether with steals or rim protection.
What Is Phoenix Looking For In Return
Rankin mentioned that the Suns are looking for a big return. Not sure what that exactly means, but Nikola Vucevic, Jonas Valanciunas, and Jimmy Butler’s name has been bantered around. ESPN’s Shams Charania said Phoenix is one of Butler’s preferred destinations.
Phoenix definitely needs to upgrade its center position, so it makes sense that the Suns would want a big return. However, such a trade is not going to be easy.
Nurkic is making $18.1 million this season and will make $19.3 million next year. If that extra year doesn’t scare some teams off, the Suns have other issues.
Phoenix is way above the NBA’s second tax apron. Therefore, the Suns can’t take on more money than they bring in. They also can’t aggregate (or combine) salaries. But here is a look at a few trades that may work.
The Suns might be interested in Myles Turner, Ivica Zubac, John Collins, or Mitchell Robinson.
Nurkic To Washington
One trade that would work is Nurkic being sent to the Washington Wizards for Valanciunas, and Patrick Baldwin Jr. Valanciunas is making just $9.9 million this season.
The 32-year-old Lithuanian has two more years on the three-year, $30 million deal he signed with the Wizards this summer. However, he will make just $10 million next season and the last season is nonguaranteed. Meanwhile, Baldwin will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year.
The Suns will likely have to add draft capital to entice the Wizards to make the trade. The Suns’ 2026 first-round pick could do the trick, though they may decide to add Denver’s 2031 second pick.
Why Would Phoenix Do the Trade?
Valanciunas is the kind of offensive center they figured they were getting with the addition of Nurkic. He is highly efficient and has improved his finishing ability around the rim over the last three seasons. While not the facilitator as Nurkic, Valanciunas can find the open shooter, whether on the perimeter or in the post. He is also an outstanding rebounder, though he is a bit of a liability on defense.
The Suns would be shaving about $5.8 million off their luxury bill. Also, the Suns have an open roster spot to take on Baldwin. However, the 22-year-old would likely be cut if included in the deal.
Why Would Washington do the Deal?
The Wizards are going through a total rebuild. Everyone figured that Valanciunas wasn’t long for DC when the team signed him, anyway. So, while the Wiz would cut into their available cap ($5.8 million), they would still be about $6.9 million below being hard-capped at the first apron. The Wizards also figure to move Kyle Kuzma.
If Washington did make this trade, the Wizards would likely look to move Nurkic this summer or at next year’s trade deadline. The Wiz would also open up a roster spot by including the seldom-used Baldwin, who they have been interested in moving on from since the fall.
Washington’s main goal is to keep stockpiling assets. The Wizards, who have an NBA-low four victories, have already traded away their 2025 or 2026 first-round pick (top 9 protected). Since the Wizards are expected to remain among the worst teams in the league this year, they will keep this year’s selection. So, the Suns’ 2026 choice would replace next year’s choice.
Nikola Vucevic
While Phoenix would likely be amicable to trade for Valanciunas, Vucevic is the dream target. Vucevic is a bucket, and the 34-year-old isn’t slowing down. He has scored in double-figures in 28 of 29 appearances and has produced 18 double-doubles while averaging 20.7 points, 3.2 assists, and 9.8 rebounds while shooting 57.8/45.2/85.3.
Here is the thing: Vucevic may be out of the Suns’ purview. Since Vucevic ($20 million) makes more than Nurkic, a one-for-one deal can’t be executed. As stated above, since Phoenix is over the second apron, they can’t aggregate salaries unless they get below that line.
Therefore, the only way that Vucevic can make his way to Phoenix is via a multi-team trade (preferably three, but more if need be). In which case, it would likely cost the Suns several draft assets or perhaps one of their valuable youngsters (Ryan Dunn, Oso Ighodaro).
Detroit, Utah, San Antonio, Charlotte, and Toronto may be willing to help facilitate a trade.
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