By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
A complicated situation regarding Jusuf Nurkic with the Phoenix Suns persists.
From being removed from the starting lineup by head coach Mike Budenholzer to completely falling out of the rotation, his last appearance in the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season dates back to January 7.
The 30-year-old Bosnian center recently talked about his status and a potential trade before the deadline for players to remain eligible to play in the Playoffs with their new team.
“Yeah, for sure,” he answered a question about staying with the Suns beyond the deadline on February 6, relays The Arizona Republic, “Because we are the Phoenix Suns and all the rules, it’s not easy to get traded when you’re over the second tax apron. Even that, I can’t control.”
He also talked about a lack of communication with Budenholzer. “We don’t have a relationship,” Nurkic said. “So, it’s fine. For me, just be a pro and do the best I can. Work and stay ready for whatever might be, but there is no chaos or bringing that to this team. They already have plenty of it. Trying to be as professional as I can and work my ass off for something else.”
“There’s been conversations that have been had. There’s been communication, but we’ve got three or four guys that play the same position. We’re going to go with who we think gives us our best chance. You’ve got to earn your minutes. And that’s been communicated,” countered the head coach of the Suns.
After staying in Phoenix over a five-game road trip to recover from the flu, Nurkic did not play against the Washington Wizards in Footprint Center on the latest edition of NBA Saturdays.
“I feel good, I feel better now,” he updated his status, “It was just a bad flu. Then it was too late to catch the plane.”
Staying at home, the Suns face the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.
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