{"id":120310,"date":"2025-01-27T16:00:52","date_gmt":"2025-01-27T21:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=120310"},"modified":"2025-01-27T23:56:35","modified_gmt":"2025-01-28T04:56:35","slug":"knicks-trade-for-jusuf-nurkic-would-be-damaging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/01\/27\/knicks-trade-for-jusuf-nurkic-would-be-damaging\/","title":{"rendered":"Why a Knicks Trade For Jusuf Nurkic Would Be Damaging"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 Mat Ishbia. That pursuit includes possible star trades, but they’re also likely trying to part ways with center Jusuf Nurki\u0107<\/span><\/a>. The New York Knicks are a team interested in finding a backup center but should steer clear of Nurki\u0107<\/span>. Here’s why a Knicks trade for Jusuf Nurkic would be damaging.<\/p>\n

Why a Knicks\u00a0<\/strong>Trade For Jusuf Nurkic Would Be Damaging<\/h2>\n

Nurki\u0107<\/span>‘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 Nurki\u0107<\/span>‘s skillset, he doesn’t fit New York’s needs at the position.<\/p>\n

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Mike Budenholzer on Jusuf Nurkic saying they don\u2019t have a relationship: \u201cHe hasn\u2019t played, I\u2019m sure he\u2019s frustrated, so I respect that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Have they talked?<\/p>\n

\u201cConversations have been had. There\u2019s been communication\u2026.you gotta earn your minutes, and that\u2019s been communicated\u201d pic.twitter.com\/53jmo0uRKl<\/a><\/p>\n

— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) January 26, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n