Jusuf Nurkic doesn’t expect to be traded by the Suns

Jan 27, 2025 8:46 AM

Jusuf Nurkic has made his return to the Phoenix Suns after being sidelined by a case of the flu.

In an exclusive sit-down interview with the Arizona Republic, the veteran center opened up about his recent absence, how he’s feeling now, and his thoughts on his future with the team.

“I feel good, I feel better now,” Nurkic shared when asked about his recovery. “It was just a bad flu.” The illness kept him out of the Suns’ lineup for several games, but the 30-year-old now seems ready to resume his role anchoring the team’s frontcourt.

Despite his brief absence, the big man expressed confidence that he’ll remain with the Suns through the trade deadline.

When asked about the possibility of being moved, he cited the challenges posed by the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and Phoenix’s position over the league’s second tax apron.

“Yeah, for sure,” Nurkic responded when asked if he believes he’ll stay in Phoenix beyond the deadline. “Because we are the Phoenix Suns and new [collective bargaining agreement] 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.”

The second tax apron, a stricter spending threshold under the new CBA, limits roster flexibility for teams exceeding it. Nurkic seemed resigned to the realities of the situation, adding, “It was what it is. Life is not fair.”

Acquired by the Suns in a trade that sent Deandre Ayton to Portland, Nurkic has been a steady presence in the lineup when healthy.

His ability to rebound, set screens, and facilitate offense from the post complements Phoenix’s star-studded core of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.