After more than six years with the Portland Trail Blazers, Jusuf Nurkic seems poised for a change. There’s growing speculation that the 29-year-old Bosnian basketball player may soon be traded, with the Phoenix Suns showing significant interest.
The Oregon-based Trail Blazers are open to trade discussions involving their center from Bosnia and Herzegovina. This development comes after Nurkic’s extended stint of over six years with Portland. The Suns, based in Arizona, appear keen on securing Nurkic and are willing to offer one of their top players from DeAndre Ayton’s lineup in return.
Damian Lillard’s role in this trade equation is also noteworthy. Lillard has long expressed a desire to transfer to the Miami Heat, raising the possibility of a complex three-team trade. This deal, which could materialize in the upcoming days, may be particularly beneficial for the Suns.
Phoenix’s head coach, Frank Vogel, is on the lookout for a center with defensive strengths. Given the offensive capabilities of their star players Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, Nurkic would be a suitable fit. The team aims to contend for an NBA championship ring in the forthcoming season.
Known as the ‘Bosnian Beast’, Nurkic is gearing up for his 10th NBA season. Drafted in 2014 by the Chicago Bulls as the 16th pick, he was promptly traded to the Denver Nuggets. After less than three years in Colorado, he made his move to the Trail Blazers, where he solidified his role as a key player. However, it’s worth noting that injuries, including a severe leg fracture in the 2019/2022 season, have hampered his progress.
In the last season, Nurkic averaged 13.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, and almost three assists over 52 games for the Trail Blazers. Throughout his NBA career, his average stands at 12.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.
