Who knew the Phoenix Suns would undergo so much drama when the 2024-25 season began? Well, this is the NBA we’re talking about. And as you know drama is synonymous with it. But to suddenly bench two of your players? What was Mike Budenholzer thinking? Surely, Bradley Beal made a comeback in the lineup, only to lead the second unit for the Suns. But, he’s playing his usual minutes, scoring the way did, and performing for the team. Sadly, for Jusuf Nurkic, things haven’t panned out the way he might have liked.
It’s a complicated situation between the Suns and their 30-year-old Bosnian center. Benched by the head coach, he didn’t just lose his starting spot, instead, he vanished from the rotation. Nurkic’s last glimpse of action? January 7, 2025. Since then, nothing. Nada. Meanwhile, Jusuf Nurkic remains partly tight-lipped about his current status on the team. In a recent conversation, the 30-year-old opened up about a potential trade before the deadline for players to remain eligible to play in the Playoffs with their new team.
“Yeah, for sure,” he said when asked about staying with the Suns past the February 6 deadline, as reported by 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.” At the same time, frustrated with his role, Jusuf Nurkic revealed he hadn’t spoken to Coach Bud in two months. In his words, they “don’t have a relationship.”
Dec 27, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (20) against the Dallas Mavericks at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
“We don’t have a relationship,” Nurkic said bluntly. “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 a– off for something else.”
He claimed coach Mike Budenholzer never informed him about sitting out the Jan. 9 game against the Hawks. Saturday’s 119-109 win over the Wizards marked his ninth straight absence. “It’s hard to understand why,” Nurkic said about his benching. “I try to do whatever they want from me. I play my role or whatever, but at the end of the day, it’s the NBA.” His spot in the starting lineup? Taken by Mason Plumlee and Nick Richards when the Suns faced Philly on Jan. 6.
Despite the setback, Nurkic holds no grudges. “I have nothing against Nick,” he said. “I’m glad Bud found somebody he likes.” He even admitted it’s “refreshing” for the coach to have multiple options. “I think that’s something sustainable, and that’s the NBA.” Still, the situation leaves him in limbo, unsure of what’s next. While doubts loom about Jusuf Nurkic‘s future with the Phoenix Suns, Bradley Beal (thanks to his no-trade clause) is continuing with the team. However, there might be a little plot twist you may or may not have seen come through.
Phoenix Suns in major dilemma with Bradley Beal’s contract and new interest
Bradley Beal controls his fate in the NBA with a rare no-trade clause, a power only LeBron James also holds. After the Phoenix Suns’s game against the 76ers on Jan. 6, Beal shut down trade rumors, saying, “I hold the cards,” making it clear he decides if the Suns pursue a deal. Despite the speculation, the team hasn’t approached him yet. Meanwhile, his agent confirmed Beal refuses to waive the clause in his massive 2022 contract. He signed a five-year, $251 million deal with the Wizards, leaving $110 million over two years. For now, Beal keeps all the power in his hands.
Where does this leave the Suns? First, if Jusuf Nurkic hasn’t been in a potential trade conversation despite his odd situation, it simply means, the team isn’t looking into a trade altogether. Keeping in mind, Mat Ishbia and Co. are way past the second tax apron, so a sensible move is necessary and not a desperate one. At the same time, Beal has thrived leading the second unit, but his no-trade clause makes moving him a challenge. The Phoenix Suns meanwhile, have been linked to Jimmy Butler, but without the right assets, a deal seems unlikely unless multiple teams get involved.
Dec 28, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) waits for play to resume against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
Instead, they could target Chicago Bulls’ $215M star Zach LaVine. A potential trade could see Phoenix sending Beal and draft picks to Chicago for LaVine and Torrey Craig. With the Bulls looking to rebuild, they’re eager to move veteran contracts. LaVine, a younger and better fit alongside Durant and Booker, brings elite scoring and improved defense. The Suns would also clear $7M in cap space, opening room for more upgrades and a deeper playoff push. But the question is, will Chicago sign up for only Bradley Beal? Wouldn’t they want someone like Jusuf Nurkic too?
So, the Phoenix Suns find themselves in a tough spot. Nurkic is stuck on the bench, unsure of his future. Beal holds all the power with his no-trade clause, making any deal tricky. The team wants to improve but lacks the right assets for a major move. A trade for LaVine could be the answer, but Chicago might want more. With the deadline approaching, tough decisions await. Will Phoenix take a leap of faith or stay put? Time is running out.
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