Commerce talks ring, are you listening? In Phoenix, Nurkic is glistening.
Sadly the merriment ends right here — neither of the massive males which have been floated in return, Jonas Valančiūnas of the Washington Wizards or Nikola Vucevic of the Chicago Bulls, have readily rhymable names.
And the Suns, in the event that they’re going to maneuver on from Jusuf Nurkic, are adamant about receiving a middle in return, AZCentral studies.
Such jolly tunes don’t fairly really feel applicable this time of yr in Phoenix, the place the NBA’s first $400 million workforce is presently sitting at 14-14.
If the season ended at the moment, the Suns wouldn’t even qualify for the play-in match.
The issue hasn’t been Nurkic, now in his second yr with the franchise.
However the 30-year-old huge man — averaging 9.1 factors per sport and 9.6 rebounds per sport — hasn’t precisely confirmed to be an answer, both.
Monday’s sport in opposition to the Denver Nuggets was a very poor exhibiting. Each for Nurkic and his teammates.
Phoenix shot simply 39.8 p.c from the sector and was out-rebounded 39-46. Within the paint, the Suns have been outscored 50-24.
Nurkic, who has been beginning at heart forward of Mason Plumlee and rookie Oso Ighodaro, managed simply 4 factors, 4 rebounds and 4 assists whereas amassing 4 fouls.
So far as commerce targets go, studies point out that each Valančiūnas and Vucevic could possibly be had.
The Athletic beforehand reported that the Lakers may have traded for Valančiūnas earlier in December however opted to not on the time. The veteran big-man is taking part in nicely in his first season with the Wizards and may be of curiosity to the Knicks, too.
Chicago, ought to they comply with half with Vučević, a two-time All Star, are searching for two second- or one first-round decide, studies NBA insider Jake Fischer.
Nurkic and firm will get their probability at redemption tonight once they face off in opposition to the Nuggets, for the second time in a row, within the finale of the NBA’s Christmas bonanza.
Tip-off is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET.
