NBA Rumors: Jusuf Nurkic Could Leave Phoenix Suns

Jusuf Nurkic, player for Phoenix Suns, has openly expressed his discontent with his situation in the team and his relationship with coach Mike Budenholzer, stating that they have not spoken in two months and that they "do not have a relationship." The lack of communication and his removal from the starting lineup have raised uncertainty about his future in the team, which could lead to his departure before the NBA trade deadline on February 6th.

Nurkic, who started in 23 games this season before being sent to the bench in early January, has not played since the 7th of that month. He stated that Budenholzer did not inform him that he would not participate in the game on January 9 against the Atlanta Hawks. The recent victory of the Suns by 119-109 against the Washington Wizards marked the ninth consecutive game that the Bosnian has missed.

"We do not have a relationship," Nurkic stated in remarks reported by the Arizona Republic. "For me, it's just about being professional and doing the best I can. Work and be ready for whatever comes, but there is no chaos, and I do not want to bring that to this team. They already have enough of that. I try to be as professional as possible and work hard for what comes next."

Since his removal from the starting lineup, Mason Plumlee took his place in the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 6, marking the first time Nurkic came off the bench since the 2016-17 season when he was with the Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokic took the starting position. Currently, Nurkic averages 8.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game.

"It's hard to understand why," he commented on Budenholzer's decision to relegate him to the bench. "As you know, I try to do whatever they ask of me. I play my role, but at the end of the day, that's the NBA."

During Nurkic's absence, Budenholzer has used a rotation of three centers, including Plumlee and Nick Richards, the latter acquired on January 15. Richards has started in the last three games, standing out with 20 points and 19 rebounds in the victory against the Wizards. Additionally, rookie Oso Ighodaro has contributed minutes off the bench.

"I'm glad that Bud has found someone he feels comfortable playing with," Nurkic said about Richards. "I think it's refreshing for him to rotate among four centers. I think it's sustainable, and that's the NBA. I have nothing against Nick. I'm willing to help in any way, but I'm glad they found someone they want to use."

Budenholzer responded to Nurkic's statements after the last game. "It's never easy in this league," he noted. "He hasn't played, and I'm sure he's frustrated, so I respect that." He added: "There have been conversations, communication has taken place, but we have three or four players who play the same position. We'll go with those who give us the best opportunity. Minutes have to be earned, and that has been communicated."

Despite his situation, Nurkic indicated that he believes he will remain with the Suns after the trade deadline but assured that he is prepared for a change if it happens. "One door closes, another will eventually open, sooner or later," he reflected. "It is what it is. Life is not fair."

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