Suns trade Nurkic to Hornets

The Phoenix Suns traded 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, the teams announced.

Nurkic lost his starting gig with the Suns and hasn't played since Jan. 7. He averaged 8.6 points and 9.2 boards across 25 appearances with the franchise this season.

The veteran center has another season remaining on his contract at $19.4 million.

Charlotte was in need of more center depth after dealing Mark Williams to the Los Angeles Lakers and shipping Nick Richards to the Suns in a separate deal last month.

Martin has spent his entire six-year career with the Hornets. The 29-year-old is averaging 7.8 points, 4.5 boards, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per contest over 39 appearances this season. He's under contract for next season, but his 2025-26 salary isn't guaranteed.

Micic spent parts of the past two seasons in Charlotte, registering nine points and 4.7 assists per game across 66 appearances. He has a $8.1-million team option for next season.