Jusuf Nurkic admits he doesn’t have relationship with head coach Mike Budenholzer

Jusuf Nurkic admits he doesn’t have relationship with head coach Mike Budenholzer

In the midst of having one of the worst seasons of his 11-year career, Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic was shelved to the bench earlier this month in for Mason Plumlee, rookie Oso Ighodaro and recently-acquired big man Nick Richards.

Nurkic has also been involved in myriad trade rumors–including for Richards before the deal was finalized–so one could assume the mental state he’s in after being a starting-level big for most of his career. He’s handled the situation like a pro, but he was very candid about his relationship–or lack thereof–with first-year Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer.

“We don’t have a relationship,” Nurkic said earlier this week, according to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. “So, it’s fine. For me, just be a pro and do the best I can. Work and stay ready for whatever might be, but there is no chaos or bringing that to this team. They already have plenty of it. Trying to be as professional as I can and work my ass off for something else.

“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. … I know who I am as a person and as a player. Like I said, ‘one door close, another will open eventually.’ That’s what I’m working for and hoping for. … It was what it is. Life is not fair.”

The Feb. 6 trade deadline is 10 days away with the Suns well over the punitive second-apron. Thus, a couple of the trade restrictions they have is not being able to aggregate Nurkic’s $18.1 million salary nor take back more in a trade than they send out.

That could make a trade involving Nurkic difficult to achieve. If one does materialize, it may have to involve a third or fourth team willing to eat his money this year plus his $19.4 million salary next season, the last year of his current deal, according to Spotrac.

Nurkic is aware of the complications, telling Rankin that he believes he will be with the team past the deadline.

“Because we are the Phoenix Suns and new (collective bargaining agreement) and all the rules,” he said. “It’s not easy to get traded when you’re over the second tax apron. Even that, I can’t control.”

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Nurkic, 30, is averaging 8.6 points and 9.2 rebounds in 23.7 minutes per game this season. He’s shooting just 45.4 percent from the floor–his worst since his sophomore NBA season in 2015-16–and just 32.2 percent from 3-point range.

Ironically enough, the 7-footer has not played in a game since Jan. 7 against Richards when he was with the Hornets. Now, the two are teammates with Richards–a more agile, athletic rim runner and rim protector–essentially stealing his job.

“I’m glad Bud find somebody who he like he can play (in Richards),” Nurkic said. “I think that’s refreshing for him to rotate four centers. I think that’s something that’s sustainable and that’s the NBA. I have nothing against Nick. Any way I can help, but I’m glad they found someone who they want to play.”

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