The trade negotiation bell is ringing, are you listening? Nurkic is shining in Phoenix.
Unfortunately, the fun ends here. Neither of the big men he replaced, Jonas Valanciunas of the Washington Wizards or Nikola Vucevic of the Chicago Bulls, have names that rhyme.
And the Suns are adamant about acquiring a center in exchange for Jusuf Nurkic if they move on. AZ Central Report.
Such an upbeat song is totally out of place at this time in Phoenix, where the NBA's first $400 million team is currently languishing at 14-14.
If the season ended today, the Suns wouldn't even qualify for the play-in tournament.
The problem isn't Nurkic, who is currently in his second year with the team.
But the 30-year-old big man, who averages 9.1 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, hasn't exactly proven to be a solution either.
Monday's game against the Denver Nuggets was particularly bad. Even for Nurkic and his teammates.
Phoenix shot just 39.8 percent from the field and outrebounded the team in a 39-46 loss. The Suns won 50-24 in the paint.
Nurkic, who started at center ahead of Mason Plumlee and rookie Oso Ighodalo, had just four points, four rebounds and four assists while collecting four fouls.
As for trade targets, there are reports that both Valanciunas and Vucevic could be acquired.
The Athletic previously reported that the Lakers could have traded Valanciunas in early December, but did not do so at the time. The veteran big man has played well in his first season with the Wizards, and the Knicks may also be interested.
Chicago is seeking two second-round picks or a first-round pick if they agree to part ways with the two-time All-Star Vucevic. Reported by NBA Insider Jake Fischer.
Nurkic and company will get a chance for revenge tonight when they face the Nuggets for the second year in a row in the finale of the NBA's Christmas blockbuster.
Tipoff is scheduled for 10:30pm ET.
