The Suns will ship Jusuf Nurkic and a 2026 first-round decide to the Hornets in alternate for Cody Martin, Vasilije Micic and a second-rounder in 2026, sources tell Shams Charania of ESPN.
Phoenix has been trying to find a taker for Nurkic, who was removed from the starting lineup in early January and hasn’t performed in any respect since Jan. 7. The latest commerce for Nick Richards and the emergence of rookie large man Oso Ighodaro made Nurkic expendable.
The 30-year-old heart has one season left on his contract at $19.375M. He expressed skepticism final month that the Suns would be capable of transfer him, however they discovered a prepared commerce accomplice in Charlotte, which was low on facilities after agreeing to ship Mark Williams to the Lakers late Wednesday night time. The Hornets and Suns discussed Nurkic earlier than finalizing the Richards deal, however they opted to maintain him out of the unique commerce.
Right this moment’s deal gives future flexibility for Phoenix, as Martin’s $8.68M wage for subsequent season is non-guaranteed and Micic has a workforce possibility value $8.1M. The Suns have a roster opening, to allow them to full the two-for-one commerce with out one other transfer.
The 2026 first-rounder heading to Charlotte was one among three picks that Phoenix not too long ago acquired from Utah. It will likely be the least favorable of first-round picks involving the Suns, Magic, Grizzlies and Wizards.
The second-round decide that Phoenix will obtain is the least favorable between the Warriors and Nuggets, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
