In a significant mid-season shuffle, the Phoenix Suns have decided to trade Jusuf Nurkic to the Charlotte Hornets. In return, the Suns will acquire Cody Martin, along with Vasilije Micic and a 2026 second-round pick. The Suns will also send a 2026 first-round pick to Charlotte. This trade marks a major shift for both teams as they look to reshape their rosters and strategies.
Jusuf Nurkic, who is earning $18.1 million this season, joined the Suns from the Portland Trail Blazers in a multi-team trade before the start of the 2023-24 season. Despite starting 76 games that year with averages of 10.9 points and 11.0 rebounds, Nurkic has seen limited playtime recently. He has not appeared on the court for the Suns since January 7, having been relegated to the bench after starting 23 games this season. Currently, he averages 8.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game.
Nurkic's relationship with Suns coach Mike Budenholzer has been strained, with Nurkic openly expressing dissatisfaction about his reduced role.
"As you know, I try to do whatever they want from me. I play my role or whatever, but at the end of the day, it's the NBA." – Jusuf Nurkic
Cody Martin, aged 29, has been a reliable presence for the Charlotte Hornets since they drafted him in 2019 with the No. 36 overall pick. Despite ongoing changes in Charlotte’s roster, Martin remained a constant figure, known for his defensive prowess as a 6-foot-6 wing capable of challenging top scorers from opposing teams. However, he has faced difficulties in shooting, holding a career average of 31.9% from beyond the arc.
Martin signed a four-year contract with Charlotte in 2022 and has one year remaining on his deal, valued at approximately $8.6 million after this season. Additionally, he holds an $8 million team option for next season.
As part of this trade, Phoenix welcomes Martin’s defensive skills and hopes to leverage his strengths on the court. Meanwhile, the Hornets gain Nurkic’s experience and physicality under the basket, alongside future draft assets in their strategic plans.
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