Former Suns Center Jusuf Nurkic Traded Again as NBA Career Faces Uncertainty
Jusuf Nurkic, a former Phoenix Suns center, is on the move once again — this time heading to the Utah Jazz in a trade that reshapes both rosters involved.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Utah Jazz have acquired Nurkic from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Collin Sexton and a 2031 second-round pick.
“Just in: The Utah Jazz are trading Collin Sexton and a 2031 second-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets for Jusuf Nurkic,” Charania tweeted.
This marks the second trade for Nurkic in less than five months. The Bosnian big man was previously dealt by the Phoenix Suns as part of the high-profile, three-team deal involving Damian Lillard, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Portland Trail Blazers.
Nurkic’s time in Phoenix was short-lived. He appeared in just 25 games during the 2023-24 NBA season, eventually falling out of head coach Mike Budenholzer’s rotation. His lack of fit with the Suns led to a swift exit, and his stop in Charlotte appears to be another temporary one.
What’s Next for Nurkic and the Jazz?
With $19.375 million owed to Nurkic for the final year of his contract, the Jazz are expected to consider a buyout, making him a free agent ahead of the 2024-25 season. This would give Nurkic a chance to sign with a contender in need of veteran depth at the center position.
The move also signals a youth shift for the Jazz, who recently drafted Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. and already have promising young guards Isaiah Collier and Keyonte George on the roster.
While Nurkic’s role in Utah remains unclear, it’s likely the team could flip him in a larger trade package or reach a mutual agreement on a buyout before the new NBA league year starts on July 6.
