The Phoenix Suns have been among the NBA’s most unexpected teams thus far this season, and not for good cause. With a 17–19 record, the Suns are now ranked 12th in the western Conference. They had an 8-1 start to the season, but they have subsequently seen a significant setback in their schedule.
With one of the NBA’s largest payrolls with its star trio of Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant, the Suns were supposed to contend for a spot near the top of the Western Conference, but instead they are battling for a spot in the playoffs.
While the Suns have multiple issues that have led to their poor season, their lack of depth and the play from their center position has been two of the biggest. Because of this, they are reportedly trying to trade away Jusuf Nurkić to try and upgrade their center spot.
Nurkić was moved to the bench earlier in the week and then did not even step on the court during the Suns’ victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday. With his poor season, he is expected to be moved, but the Suns may have an issue finding a trade suitor due to his large contract and decrease in production.
The Washington Wizards have the best chance (+300) of acquiring Nurkić in a trade, according to Bovada. The Detroit Pistons (+400), Miami Heat (+400), and Houston Rockets (+400) come next.
While these teams may be potential trade suitors due to their lack of center depth, there have been little to no rumors about any team being interested in Nurkić. Of course, that could change ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline, but the Suns may not receive much in return for him.
With Nurkić possibly on the move, the Suns would also need to find a new center to add to their roster, which they could do by swapping Nurkić for one, but that may easier said than done due to his poor play and large contract.
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