The trade deadline for the Phoenix Suns was supposed to be a reset day. Fans were waiting for this day to see the changes the Suns would make. After a brutal first half to the season, it was evident multiple changes needed to be made. Unfortunately for Suns fans, we only saw one move that day. It was necessary for sure, but only one move left the fans puzzled. In that move, the Suns traded Jusuf Nurkic (and a 2026 first round pick) to the Charlotte Hornets for Cody Martin and Vasilije Micic. The trade seemed like a necessary one for Phoenix, but with it being the only move, it has had some souring effects. We will analyze the Jusuf Nurkic trade and ultimately decide whether it was a win in the end?
The Phoenix Suns Post Jusuf Nurkic Trade: Has it Helped or Hurt?
The Reason the Trade had to Happen
For starters, Nurkic’s time was up in Phoenix since the start of the season. In the offseason, they had already explored trades with his contract, but failed to find any without attaching a pick. The Suns wanted to draft this year (luckily). so the Suns were tasked to wait until the season to make a Nurkic trade. That led to some sour play from the big, which got him benched and ultimately he received DNP’s over the last few weeks with the team.
The last thing that made it obvious that a deal needed to be done was the article that came out mid-game on Nurkic and head coach Mike Budenholzer not having a relationship. That let everyone know that this relationship was beyond repair, and Nurkic needed to be moved. He was sent to Charlotte, and fans sighed in relief. Sadly, post-trade there has been very little to no impact.
Have They Made an Impact?
Overall, when looking back at this deal, the Suns got two quality role players. Martin is known for being a solid defensive wing, and he compares himself to a “Swiss army knife” as his archetype. The brother of Caleb Martin could provide some defense at the wing position for this team. Micic is a very similar guard to Tyus Jones and a playmaking first guard. With a more oversized frame as well, you would think he would get some shine in this lineup. Well, you thought wrong. Neither piece has even suited up for this team since the trade. The Suns traded a player who would not play, for two in return who would bring the same—clapping on the bench, and cheering on the team.
Since being traded, Martin has been injured with a sports hernia, but Micic has been healthy. Once again, this is not a knack on Micic. He can’t just check himself in the game. Why has coach Budenholzer still not played someone who can give the team a different look? It certainly is needed as the Suns are 2-8 in their last ten games. It is absolutely befuddling sometimes trying to understand the direction of the team.
Who Has Stepped Up?
Neither of the players acquired via trade has suited up. The Suns have had to claw at everything to succeed. Bol Bol has been the one bright spot in all of this. Since the Nurkic trade, he has been used more. He rotates with Mason Plumlee (even though he outplays Plumlee) which is weird. Bol has seen two stints of starting, but barely plays in others. Ultimately, the rotations are still at whack with this team, regardless of who is available to play.
The Last Word
Unfortuntely, this was a disaster deadline. The two pieces they got back have failed to play, and most likely will for the rest of the season. The Suns did get off a bad contract, which was good, but that contract could have been more valuable in the offseason. If fans knew the repercussions of this deal, they would’ve instead kept Nurkic. They would have had the extra first, and Nurk’s contract would have been more attractive as a one-year deal. Even though Nurkic is not showing out in Charlotte, it still stings that the Suns benefitted nothing at the trade deadline. Unfortunately, they just made matters worse by trying to trade Kevin Durant and sparking all these rumors until he is either gone or extended in Phoenix. It’s fair to say the Jusuf Nurkic trade did not help Phoenix post trade deadline. Another blunder by the Suns front office.
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