One NBA writer is proposing that the Phoenix Suns trade for Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic in a blockbuster proposal. Ishaan Bhattacharya of Fadeaway World proposed the following trade idea between the Blazers, Suns and Miami Heat:
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Deandre Ayton, Tyler Herro, Caleb Martin, Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jacquez Jr., 2027 First-Round Pick (MIA)
Phoenix Suns Receive: Jusuf Nurkic, 2026 Second-Round Pick (LAL)
Miami Heat Receive: Damian Lillard
“Nurkic averaged 13.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists last season and is a versatile big man,” Bhattacharya wrote in his latest NBA trade column. “He is offensively polished and has a serviceable jumper. While his defense gets vastly overrated at times, he is a perfectly solid center to have in pick-and-roll situations. He won’t provide the volume rebounding that Ayton did but maybe finds an extra gear in a contending situation.
“Importantly, Nurkic makes $15.4 million less than Ayton, which would provide some crucial salary relief to the Suns. Given that Nurkic mocked the Bradley Beal trade when it happened, it’ll be interesting to see how he fits in if he’s moved in this deal.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jusuf Nurkic, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
The Suns would be interested in trading Ayton to the Blazers for Nurkic, according to NBA insider John Gambadoro. With Lillard requesting a trade from the Blazers, Portland could be interested in acquiring Ayton for its rebuild.
Nurkic signed a four-year, $70 million contract with the Blazers in July 2022. He’ll make $16.9 million next season. The center averaged 13.3 points and 9.1 rebounds last season while shooting 51.9% from the field, 36.1% from beyond the arc and 66.1% from the free-throw line. The 28-year-old played in 52 games.
Nurkic has career averages of 12.3 points and 8.6 rebounds with the Denver Nuggets and Blazers. He’s close friends with Lillard, who has requested a trade from Portland to the Miami Heat. Most people around the NBA believe Nurkic will be traded as part of a multi-team Lillard deal.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jusuf Nurkic, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
The Suns could start Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Josh Okogie, Kevin Durant and Nurkic if Phoenix’s front office figured out a way to acquire Nurkic from Portland.
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