Veteran center Jusuf Nurkic was benched earlier this season, and in a perfect world, the Suns would love to use his $18.1 million salary to land a difference-maker. In the meantime, though, he is still a member of the Suns and is working through those difficult circumstances.

Jusuf Nurkic was incredibly open about how his current standing with Mike Budenholzer has impacted his playing career.

The Phoenix Suns are perhaps the hottest team in recent NBA trade rumors. In order to make room for their prized target, Jimmy Butler, the Suns have to convince Bradley Beal to waive his no-trade clause. On top of that, Jusuf Nurkic, who used to be the starting center, has slid down the depth chart and has missed his fair share of games.

The Phoenix Suns have had conversations with rival teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, about a trade involving veteran center Jusuf Nurkić, according to