Jusuf Nurkic Reacts to Being Traded to Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns confirmed all rumors and speculation to be true on Wednesday when they were indeed a crucial part of a multi-way trade that sent Damian Lillard out of Portland after extensive discussions on what would or wouldn't happen.
Full details:
Milwaukee Bucks receive: Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers receive: Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, 2029 1st-round pick 2 pick swaps.
Phoenix Suns receive: Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little, Keon Johnson
For the Suns, it marks the end of the Deandre Ayton era in the Valley after he was chosen as the franchise's No. 1 pick back in 2018. Though his potential flashed on occasion, Ayton never really played basketball at the consistent high level that was expected out of him.
After years of his own trade speculation, Ayton finally departs Phoenix - which opens the door for Jusuf Nurkic to slide into the starting center spot.
He seems pretty excited after already changing his Twitter/X bio to "Phoenix Suns center" and tweeting the following:
Nurkic sent the following message to Blazers fans after receiving the news:
Nurkic (29 years of age) was the No. 16 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. He's spent the last seven years in Portland but hasn't played in more than 56 games since the 2018-19 season.
Last year, he averaged 13.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per night. He'll likely be introduced for the first time at the team's Media Day on Monday, Oct. 2.
