As the NBA trade deadline on February 6 approaches, trade rumors are intensifying, and the Phoenix Suns are one of the teams in the spotlight. Despite a disappointing start to the season, the Suns have picked up momentum recently, winning seven of their last 10 games and climbing to ninth in the Western Conference standings. However, significant changes are still expected before the deadline.
One player Phoenix is reportedly looking to move is Jusuf Nurkić. Once the starting center, Nurkić has struggled this season and fallen out of the Suns’ frontcourt rotation after the team acquired Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets. Despite his underwhelming performance and difficult contract, Nurkić has reportedly drawn interest from at least one team: the Orlando Magic.
According to Matt Moore of Action Network, the Suns have held “substantive talks” with the Magic about trading both Grayson Allen and Nurkić. “Sources said the Suns had substantive talks with Orlando involving Grayson Allen to try and move the albatross that is Jusuf Nurkic,” Moore wrote.
For the Magic, both players would fit their needs. They are looking for a big man to reinforce their roster, which Nurkić could provide, while Allen would add another reliable scorer and defender, helping them in their playoff push.
However, due to Nurkić’s difficult contract, the Suns will likely need to include draft picks or a player like Allen to make the trade happen. While losing Allen would be a blow, moving Nurkić and unloading his contract would be a significant step for the Suns.
