Suns Trade Nurkic, First-Round Pick to Hornets for Martin and Micic

PHOENIX, Ariz. — The Phoenix Suns have traded center Jusuf Nurkic and a 2026 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Cody Martin, Vasilije Micic, and a 2026 second-round pick, sources confirmed to ESPN on Thursday.

The deal comes after Nurkic, a 7-foot center, was benched by Suns coach Mike Budenholzer in early January. Nurkic, who started 23 games this season, has not played since Jan. 7. He is averaging 8.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game this season.

“It’s hard to understand why,” Nurkic said last month about his benching. “I try to do whatever they want from me. I play my role, but at the end of the day, it’s the NBA.”

Nurkic, 30, was acquired by Phoenix in a three-team trade before the 2023-24 season. He started 76 games that year, averaging 10.9 points and 11.0 rebounds. He is in the final season of a four-year, $70 million contract signed with the Portland Trail Blazers, earning $18.1 million this season.

In return, the Suns acquire Cody Martin, a 6-foot-6 wing known for his defensive prowess. Martin, 29, has spent his entire six-year NBA career with the Hornets after being drafted 36th overall in 2019. Despite his defensive skills, Martin has struggled as a shooter, averaging 31.9% from 3-point range for his career. He has one year and approximately $8.6 million remaining on his contract.

Vasilije Micic, a Euroleague star who joined the NBA two years ago, is also part of the trade. Micic, 30, is in the final guaranteed year of his deal, with an $8 million team option for next season.

The trade reflects the Suns’ efforts to retool their roster amid a challenging season. Meanwhile, the Hornets gain a veteran center and a future first-round pick as they continue their rebuilding process.