With their championship window wide open, the Phoenix Suns have made another roster adjustment to bolster their supporting cast. The team is sending center Jusuf Nurkic and a 2026 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for wing Cody Martin, guard Vasilije Micic, and a 2026 second-round pick, per ESPN sources.
For Phoenix, this trade is less about immediate impact and more about long-term flexibility. Nurkic, while a solid presence in the paint, was never an ideal fit alongside the Suns’ Big Three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. By moving on from the veteran big man, Phoenix opts for versatility on the perimeter while adding an experienced playmaker in Micić.
Meanwhile, Charlotte takes on Nurkić’s contract but gets a valuable first-round pick to aid their rebuilding efforts.
Breaking Down the Jusuf Nurkić Trade
According to ESPN’s senior NBA insider Shams Charania, the full trade details are as follows:
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Jusuf Nurkić, 2026 first-round pick
Phoenix Suns Receive: Cody Martin, Vasilije Micić, and a 2026 second-round pick
The Phoenix Suns are trading Jusuf Nurkic and a 2026 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets for Cody Martin, Vasilije Micic and a 2026 second-round pick, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/epRJty7lid
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2025
Why This Move Makes Sense for the Suns
The Suns’ roster construction has been one of the most debated topics in the league. Their star-studded $160 million core is lethal offensively but lacks depth, defensive versatility, and playmaking outside of Booker, Beal, and Durant. By dealing Nurkić, Phoenix sacrifices size but gains two capable role players who fill key needs.
Cody Martin is a strong perimeter defender who can guard multiple positions, something the Suns have been lacking on the wing. Injuries have limited his impact in recent seasons, but when healthy, he brings hustle, energy, and defensive grit.
Micić, meanwhile, is a crafty playmaker with years of experience in Europe, where he was one of the top point guards in the EuroLeague. He gives the Suns another ball-handler to take pressure off Booker and Beal, which could be crucial in the playoffs.
Additionally, Phoenix sheds Nurkić’s contract, which runs through 2025-2026. While Nurkić was serviceable, his lack of mobility on defense was a big concern, especially when facing quicker teams.
Charlotte Hornets Secure a First-Rounder and a Veteran Big Man
For Charlotte, this trade is about the future as much as the present. The Hornets aren’t in win-now mode, but adding a first-round pick in 2026 aligns with their rebuilding timeline. They have prioritized asset accumulation, and this move gives them another valuable draft selection.
As for Nurkić, he provides an experienced frontcourt presence for a team that just traded their most reliable center to the Los Angeles Lakers. He’ll bring toughness and rebounding, which could be useful in helping LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller develop. While his contract isn’t ideal, Charlotte can afford to take it on given their financial flexibility from having one of the lowest payrolls in the NBA.
This is a trade that benefits both sides in different ways. Phoenix gets much-needed depth and playmaking without sacrificing too much in the short term, while Charlotte secures a future first-rounder and a solid veteran center.
