The Phoenix Suns are reportedly considering trade options involving center Jusuf Nurkic and one of their newly acquired first-round picks, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The team aims to secure a starting-caliber player or a high-level rotation piece to enhance their roster, based on league sources.
This comes after the Suns’ recent trade with the Utah Jazz, where Phoenix sent a 2031 unprotected first-round pick in exchange for three future first-round picks in 2025, 2027, and 2029. These picks are the least favorable from Cleveland, Minnesota, or Utah in those years. While the picks could help the Suns pursue Jimmy Butler, who has expressed interest in joining Phoenix, they may need to adjust their strategy due to Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause, which complicates any immediate trade moves.
Nurkic, who has played 25 games this season, is making $18.1 million this year and $19.3 million next season. His role has recently diminished, as the Suns moved him to the bench earlier this month. He is currently averaging 23.7 minutes per game, the lowest since his 2020-21 season with the Portland Trail Blazers. This season, Nurkic has been putting up 8.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting 45.4% from the field and 32.2% from beyond the arc. Despite his reduced role, the Suns view him as a valuable trade asset rather than just a salary dump. According to Scotto, the team believes Nurkic’s value will increase in the trade market this summer when his contract becomes an expiring deal.
With a current 24-21 record, the Suns are looking to strengthen their frontcourt depth further, having recently acquired Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets. However, they are reportedly aiming to make additional moves ahead of the trade deadline. By pairing Nurkic with a first-round pick, the team hopes to land a player who can contribute at a high level, either as a starter or key rotation player.
