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Report: Nuggets actively trying to move Nurkic

Isaiah J. Downing / USA TODAY Sports

Jusuf Nurkic could be on his way out of the Mile High City.

The Denver Nuggets are actively trying to trade the 7-foot center, league sources told ESPN's Marc Stein.

Since playing Nurkic alongside up-and-comer Nikola Jokic has proven to be a dud, Denver has struggled to find playing time for the Bosnian and is reportedly looking to deal him before the Feb. 23 trade deadline.

Nurkic is averaging 8.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting 52.9 percent from the field in 18.7 minutes. At 22 years old, he's a serviceable young big man, but his turnover rate of 20.1 percent is a concern.

After starting the first 25 games of the season, "The Bosnian Bear" has largely played sparingly off the bench, even tallying four DNP-CDs last month. He vented publicly about his diminishing role - with Kenneth Faried and Jokic earning the bulk of the minutes at the five-spot - before reports emerged that the Nuggets are "openly shopping" him.

Nurkic is still on his rookie deal, which has another year and just under $3 million remaining. Stein is certain the big man will find a new home, and added Denver is expected to be active on the trade market. They've been linked to trade candidates like Paul Millsap.

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