Suns’ Jusuf Nurkić stated, “We don’t have a relationship,” following Phoenix’s win over Washington on Saturday night.
He added, “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.”
Head Coach Mike Budenholzer shared his thoughts on the situation, acknowledging the challenges Nurkić faces.
“It’s never easy in this league,” Budenholzer remarked regarding Nurkić’s current predicament. “He hasn’t played. I’m sure he’s frustrated. I respect that.”
This season, Nurkić has averaged 23.7 minutes per game in 25 contests, with stats showing 8.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. He and three-time All-Star Bradley Beal were replaced in the starting lineup by rookie Ryan Dunn and center Mason Plumlee.
While Beal has continued to be a part of the rotation, Nurkić has only appeared in two games off the bench and has not taken the court since. The Suns further complicated Nurkić’s position by acquiring Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets earlier this month.
Last season, Nurkić recorded averages of 10.9 points and 11.0 rebounds in 27.3 minutes per game over 76 regular-season games. Now in his second season with the Suns, Nurkić previously played over six seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers and had a two-plus-year stint with the Denver Nuggets before that.
At 30 years old, Nurkić is currently in the third year of a four-year, $70 million contract. Meanwhile, the Suns have shown interest in acquiring Miami’s Jimmy Butler, who is looking for a trade, with the NBA trade deadline approaching on February 6.
With a record of 23-21, the Suns hold the eighth seed in the Western Conference. Despite winning seven of their last nine games, Nurkić has not seen any playing time during this stretch, raising questions about his future with the team.
