Nurkic went from the starting lineup to being buried on Phoenix’s bench in about a month’s time.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β The Charlotte Hornets are trading Cody Martin, Vasa Micic and a second-round pick in 2026 to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for center Jusuf Nurkic and a 2026 first-round pick, WCNC Charlotte’s Danielle Stein confirmed.Β
The trade was the second big move made by Charlotte in less than 24 hours, as the team sent former first-round pick Mark Williams to the Los Angeles Lakers for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish and a 2031 first-round pick late Wednesday.
Nurkic went from a starter in Phoenix to being buried on the bench in about a month’s time. The 30-year-old’s future with Phoenix was all but decided when he told reporters that he didn’t have a relationship with current coach Mike Budenholzer. Meanwhile, Budenholzer has turned to former Hornet Nick Richards to rejuvenate the Suns’ offense.Β
Nurkic is in the third season of a four-year, $70 million contract. The deal got done just ahead of the 3 p.m. NBA trade deadline.
Nurkic has been a starting center for most of the past decade, but his numbers have fallen since joining the Suns before last season. This season, he’s averaging just 8.2 points and 9.6 rebounds while shooting 45.4% from the field.
He’s had other problems, too. He was suspended three games after a fight with Dallas’ Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington.Β
The Associated Press contributed to this report.Β
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