Jusuf Nurkic’s departure from the Phoenix Suns wasn’t just about roster construction—it was personal.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, a private meeting between Nurkic and former Suns coach Mike Budenholzer became a turning point.
Haynes reported that Budenholzer told Nurkic he was a “bad teammate” and accused him of “refusing to set quality screens.”
The remark struck a nerve.
“He took that as mad disrespect,” Haynes said, via HoopsHype. “He prided himself on setting quality screens.”
Nurkic had played 25 games for Phoenix this season before being traded to Charlotte on February 6, averaging 8.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 23.7 minutes per game.
He was sent to the Hornets along with a 2026 first-round pick in exchange for Cody Martin, Vasilije Micic, and a 2026 second-rounder.
Since joining Charlotte, Nurkic’s role has shifted but his minutes have dipped to 18.1 per game, along with averages of 9.2 points, 6.5 boards, and 2.6 assists.
The Suns, who finished 11th in the Western Conference with a 36–46 record, failed to reach the playoffs and ranked as the NBA’s third-worst defensive team.
Budenholzer was dismissed after just one season, marking Phoenix’s fourth straight offseason head coaching change.
Phoenix entered the 2024–25 season with the league’s highest payroll, but injuries, defensive issues, and inconsistent chemistry kept them from meeting expectations.
With Kevin Durant reportedly working on a trade exit and Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause complicating further moves, Phoenix is now centering its rebuild around Devin Booker.
