Phoenix Suns “actively shopping” Jusuf Nurkic in trade talks

The NBA trade season has officially begun, with December 15th recently on the calendar, meaning most players who signed in the offseason are now eligible to move elsewhere.

For the Phoenix Suns, one of the most aggressive teams on the market that is truly looking to win an immediate championship due to their financial commitments, starting center Jusuf Nurkic is being held in exploratory trade talks across the association.

According to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic, the Suns are “actively shopping” Nurkic in hopes of finding a deal before the February 6 trade deadline. Phoenix has been open to trading Nurkic since the summer, a league source confirmed Forbes Sports.

Nurkic’s suitability for Phoenix has been in question since his arrival in 2023 as part of a deal that sent former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton to the Portland Trail Blazers. So far this season, Nurkic is averaging 9.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 0.6 blocks on a true shooting percentage of 55.4.

It’s obvious that Phoenix is ​​missing an athletic, defense-oriented center in place of Nurkic’s laborious style of play. And so far, the advanced metrics prove that Nurkic doesn’t have much value on the court to the Suns’ overall success.

Nurkic on the court (545 minutes): 110.6 OffRtg, 115.1 DefRtg, -4.6 NetRtg

Nurkic Off Court (857 minutes): 114.2 OffRtg, 114.3 DefRtg, -0.1 NetRtg

If you simply remove Nurkic from the equation, Phoenix’s offensive rating jumps from 21st to 9th in the team-wide rankings. Simply put, the veteran big man has done them damage on that end of the floor on most occasions.

As the Suns explore the trade market to find a taker for Nurkic, it’s important to remember the frontcourt rules that directly impact them. Because they are past both the first and second frontcourt, Phoenix is ​​unable to combine salaries while not taking back more money than they spend in a deal.

It’s a complicated situation for Phoenix, especially when Nurkic’s value is at an all-time low due to his recent playing time. Realistically, Phoenix will need to add either its 2031 first-round pick or possibly all of its remaining second-round draft capital.

With Nurkic making $18.2 million this season, Phoenix can bring back a true difference-maker in any trade. Whether it will be a center or winger is yet to be decided, but expect more help up front along the way if they replace a entrenched starter.

As you try to find a trade partner for Nurkic, keep an eye on a rebuilding situation willing to take on his high salary in exchange for draft picks. The Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers and Washington Wizards all fit the list of potential teams willing to facilitate Nurkic’s departure from Phoenix.

Ironically, three of those options have a potential big man to replace their current starter: Isaiah Stewart (Detroit), Robert Williams III (Portland), and Jonas Valanciunas (Washington).

Phoenix will be one of the top teams to watch over the next six weeks. Nurkic is one of their best candidates for an immediate, impactful addition, thanks in large part to his salary rather than his on-court performance.