Suns, Hornets Have Discussed Trade Centered On Jusuf Nurkic, Nick Richards

January 12, 2025

The Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Hornets have engaged in discussions about a potential trade that would send veteran center Jusuf Nurkic to Charlotte, with Nick Richards and draft capital heading to Phoenix, NBA sources confirmed to Hoops Wire.

The talks were initially reported by Evan Sidery of Forbes and later confirmed by John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7.

Nurkic, once the Suns’ starting center, has seen his role diminish significantly in recent games. After coming off the bench earlier this week, he was a DNP-CD in both Thursday’s and Saturday’s contests, a clear indication that his time in Phoenix could be coming to an end.

Despite being on the trade block, Nurkic’s $18.13 million salary this season, coupled with a guaranteed $19.38 million for next season, complicates any potential move.

Meanwhile, Richards is emerging as a more attractive option. The 25-year-old center has played solidly for Charlotte this season, averaging 9.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 21.2 minutes per game.

His $5 million contract for this season and next makes him a far more cost-effective option than Nurkic, and Phoenix could benefit from his younger, more versatile skill set.

For the deal to work under NBA salary cap rules, Charlotte would need to include at least one more player with a salary of at least $5.63 million.

The Suns are likely targeting versatile wing Cody Martin ($8.12 million), who has enjoyed a bounce-back year after a couple of injury-plagued seasons. However, the Hornets may prefer to include veteran point guard Vasilije Micic ($7.72 million), though he’s struggled to find his shot since joining the NBA in 2023.

Both Martin and Micic have one more year of team control beyond this season, but neither player’s 2025/26 salary is fully guaranteed, adding another layer of complexity to the trade.

The Suns, operating under second-apron restrictions, could also potentially explore the acquisition of players like Grant Williams ($13.03 million) or Josh Green ($12.65 million) alongside Richards, though Williams is out for the season after knee surgery.

Both Williams and Green have two more guaranteed years on their contracts after this season, which could limit Phoenix’s flexibility.

Phoenix also has three tradable second-round picks in their arsenal: Denver’s 2026 and 2031 picks, along with their own 2031 second-rounder.

While the Suns could be willing to include all three of those picks, it remains to be seen whether the Hornets would be willing to take on Nurkic’s hefty salary, which could significantly impact their flexibility heading into the 2025/26 season.

The Hornets, with several potential trade chips earning mid-level money or less, could be an intriguing trade partner for teams like the Suns, who are constrained by apron-related salary cap rules.

Phoenix can’t trade Nurkic for a player earning more than his $18.13 million salary, but if the Suns can sweeten the deal with draft assets, they could potentially acquire multiple rotation-caliber players from Charlotte.