Bosnian and Herzegovinian (BiH) basketball player Jusuf Nurkic (30) spoke to the United States (U.S.) media about his suspension and a potential departure from Phoenix.
Nurkic revealed that he discussed a trade with the club’s management.
“We talked with team owner Mat Ishbia, general manager James Jones, and CEO Josh Bartelstein. They were completely transparent that they don’t want to ‘sell’ us or anything like that, but at the same time, we’re not kids. We understand it’s part of the business. You can’t do anything about it, at least in my situation,” Nurkic said and added:
“I don’t control these things, but I understand it happens almost every day, every year, especially at this time of the season. You can see any name, not just mine. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad or good thing. I believe the club will act appropriately and be honest about it, but even if it happens in a way we don’t want, fine, it’s business. No hard feelings.”
Nurkic is currently benched from the Suns’ starting lineup.
“At the end of the day, I’ve been in this league long enough, and surely no one cares about that. At this point, the only choice I have is to be professional, and that’s what I’ll do. I don’t want to cause problems for my teammates or the organization. I’ll be as professional as possible and do what people ask of me. I’ll control what I can control, and that’s the only way I can respond,” Nurkic said, also commenting on the recent altercation during a game.
“I don’t regret it. I’d probably do it again if I had to. Money comes and goes. You have to defend what you believe in and what you fight for. Some people are just like that. Marshall celebrated as if he did something like Mike Tyson,” Nurkic said.
According to U.S. media, the Washington Wizards are the favorites to acquire Nurkic, while the Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, and Detroit Pistons are seen as less likely options.
