For a second straight game, Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić was benched and did not play against the Utah Jazz, sparking rumors that a trade is inevitable at this point.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In the past three games since coming back from suspension, Nurkić played 14 minutes against the Philadelphia 76ers last Monday before sitting the last two vs. the Jazz and Atlanta Hawks.
Going from starting practically every game to not featuring at all recently, Nurkić has had to adapt and own the role he has been given.
When asked about the change and how the Bosnian has handled it, Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer didn’t rule out that he can come back soon.
“He’s a pro. He’s got to be ready. Everybody is earning their minutes, everyone is earning their opportunities,” Budenholzer said. “We’re going to need everybody as we go through the season.”
"He's a pro."
Phoenix Suns coach Mike Budenholzer speaking about how Jusuf Nurkić has handled being sat.#SunsUp #NBA #TakeNote https://t.co/5jBqX42wVO pic.twitter.com/VaB3vd1vCR
— Burn City Suns ☀️ (@BurnCitySuns) January 12, 2025
Budenholzer has went to Mason Plumlee and rookie Oso Ighodaro at the center position, and Nurkić is the odd man out. Plumlee finished with six points, 10 rebounds and a steal while Ighodaro had nine points, two rebounds, two steals and two blocks vs. Utah on Saturday.
Nurkić has been inconsistent through a majority of his time with the Suns, standing out in some games and disappointing in others. In 25 games (23 starts), the 7-foot center is averaging 8.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
After the game against Utah, Evan Sidery of Forbes reported that Nurkić may be on the move soon.
“Source: The Suns and Hornets have held preliminary trade discussions that would send Jusuf Nurkic and second-round picks for Nick Richards,” Sidery said on X/Twitter. “Phoenix has removed Nurkic from the rotation as they seek a trade. Charlotte would send another player alongside Richards in the deal.”
Source: The Suns and Hornets have held preliminary trade discussions that would send Jusuf Nurkic and second-round picks for Nick Richards.
Phoenix has removed Nurkic from the rotation as they seek a trade.
Charlotte would send another player alongside Richards in the deal. pic.twitter.com/bp0Wh3bcht
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 12, 2025
Time will tell if Nurkić’s days are indeed numbered in Phoenix, but the benching and trade rumors are trending that way.
WATCH: Mike Budenholzer proud of Suns winning 114-106 victory, talks benching Jusuf Nurkic again
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, ASU Athletics and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
