As we wind down to the NBA Trade Deadline on Thursday, February 6, many teams are looking for upgrades to their roster. Some want to trade away their best players as they tank, while others just need to shake things up. The Phoenix Suns are looking to make changes to increase their title odds under all-in owner Matt Ishbia. That pursuit includes possible star trades, but they’re also likely trying to part ways with center Jusuf Nurkić. The New York Knicks are a team interested in finding a backup center, but should steer clear of Nurkić. Here’s why a Knicks trade for Jusuf Nurkic would be damaging.
Why a Knicks Trade For Jusuf Nurkic Would Be Damaging
Nurkić‘s relationship with head coach Mike Budenholzer has reportedly soured after being benched, and he could be finding a new home at the deadline. While there are certainly teams who could use aspects of Nurkić‘s skillset, he doesn’t fit New York’s needs at the position.
Mike Budenholzer on Jusuf Nurkic saying they don’t have a relationship: “He hasn’t played, I’m sure he’s frustrated, so I respect that.”
Have they talked?
“Conversations have been had. There’s been communication….you gotta earn your minutes, and that’s been communicated” pic.twitter.com/53jmo0uRKl
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) January 26, 2025
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Nurkić Was Benched For a Reason
Although Nurkić is a good player who has had a solid 11-year career, Budenholzer was right to replace him in Phoenix’s lineup. His stats were all down compared to his usual numbers in reduced playing time, averaging just 8.6 points and 9.2 rebounds in just 23.7 minutes. Furthermore, Nurkić‘s efficiency tanked, shooting just 45.4% from the field on 32.2% from deep. If he’s going to shoot poorly from two (52.9%) without stretching the floor, what value is Nurkić bringing to the table?
His issues go further than just the numbers. The Suns are an astounding 7.1 points worse per 100 possessions when he’s on the floor than off. When he isn’t finishing well around the rim, his value as a pick-and-roll center who can play in the pocket craters. He is still a solid passer for his size, but doesn’t threaten the defense anymore as a scorer, making that skill less beneficial. Add in his poor three-point shooting, and Nurkić is now struggling to do anything the Suns brought him in for.
The idea of Nurkić‘s place on this Suns team was to be an offensively skilled center. He should set hard screens for their stars, and roll to either finish at the rim or make plays. He is currently doing none of this at a high level, no longer making up for his porous defense. Former Hornets center Nick Richards was an instant upgrade in energy, effort, mobility, and strength around the basket for Phoenix. In his Suns debut, Richards posted 21 points and 11 rebounds. You can see and feel the difference he’s made on the squad in just four games (three wins).
Knicks Need Other Skills From a Backup Center
Even if Nurkić is simply underperforming offensively in a tense situation, he still doesn’t fit the Knicks needs. Other than being a seven-footer who can be their backup center, Nurkić is the complete opposite of what they require. In fact, the perfect skillset for New York’s second big is Mitchell Robinson, who would have to go to Phoenix in a possible deal to make the money work.
New York needs a backup big man who will fortify their defense. They need rebounding, physicality, and the ability to guard on the perimeter and at the basket. Tom Thibodeau wants a player who embodies the hard-nosed identity he’s built with this franchise. Robinson is all of those things, Nurkić is none of them. To bring him into the rotation would only exacerbate existing issues with his lack of defensive intensity. Even if he magically found his offensive game, there’s nothing much he could do to help NY’s already spectacular offense.
If the Knicks made this deal, they’d likely send Robinson, Jericho Sims, and one of their young players to Phoenix. They’d be giving up a better player and fit in Robinson, as well as a promising rookie for Nurkić. The only value he brings in that scenario is his better health compared to Robinson’s constant injury woes. Doing a deal like this would take away from the goodwill Leon Rose has built up with Knicks fans.
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