NBA Trade Rumors: Suns 'Exploring' Using 1st-Round Pick to Move Jusuf Nurkić

The Phoenix Suns are "exploring" packaging Jusuf Nurkić and a first-round pick in a trade at next week's deadline, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto.

The Suns would be looking for "a starting-caliber or high-level rotation player" in return, per Scotto.

Nurkić, who is averaging 8.6 points and 9.2 rebounds through 25 games this season, got bumped out of the starting lineup when the Suns acquired Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets. He currently sits behind Richards and Mason Plumlee in the rotation.

That makes Nurkić's salary a steep cost for the cap-strapped Suns, who are currently one of four NBA teams above the second apron. Nurkić is set to make $18.1 million this season and $19.4 million next campaign, per Spotrac.

Scotto wrote that the Suns don't see Nurkić "as a salary dump since he will have more value on the trade market this summer when he becomes an expiring contract."

But given that the Suns can't use a traded player exception or send out cash in a trade thanks to their position above the apron, per Spotrac, adding a first-round pick to a Nurkić trade could make taking on his contract more attractive to other teams.

Phoenix is in position to deal high draft picks after recently acquiring three first-rounders by trading their 2031 first-rounder to the Utah Jazz. The Suns now hold tradable first-round selections in 2025, 2027 and 2029, per ESPN's Shams Charania.

With a 24-21 record, the Suns are currently on track to enter the play-in round this spring despite efforts to build a title contender around Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.

Bradley Beal is reportedly on the trade block, but the Suns could find difficulty moving him thanks to his $50 million salary, no-trade clause and reportedly limited trade market.

Given the difficulties in moving Beal and Nurkić's slide down the depth chart, it would make sense for the Suns to prioritize a Nurkić trade ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline.