Damian Lillard is not the only big-name Portland Trail Blazers player on the trade block. Per reports, center Jusuf Nurkic could be had in what would be a salary dump for the struggling team.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype indicates that Portland is discussing the center in trade talks involving Lillard. However, there is a good chance that general manager Joe Cronin and Co. will have to work out a separate trade involving the veteran big man.
Despite some injury concerns throughout his nine-year career, Nurkic could be a valuable addition for a contending team.
- Jusuf Nurkic stats (2022-23): 13.3 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.9 AGP, 53% shooting
It also doesn’t hurt that the Bosnia native is earning an average of just $16.8 million per season. That’s a bargain in today’s NBA climate. Below, we look at three ideal landing spots for the center.
Related: Updated NBA trade tracker with grades
Dallas Mavericks add Jusuf Nurkic to the frontcourt
Dallas has already picked up big men Richaun Holmes (trade) and Dereck Lively II (2023 NBA Draft) this offseason. It also still has Maxi Kleber and JaVale McGee on the roster. Despite this, adding someone like Nurkic would create a completely different skill set on the Mavericks’ roster.
In this scenario, Dallas sends Kleber and a future second-round pick to Portland in exchange for Nurkic. It gives the Blazers future draft capital and saves the team roughly $15 million over the next three seasons.
Related: Sportsnaut’s NBA trade rumors
Charlotte Hornets pick up veteran big man
Charlotte’s lack of size has been an issue over the seasons. Sure, Mark Williams seems to be a solid youngster. But picking up a veteran makes sense. Nurkic is an especially ideal fit given his ability in the pick-and-roll game with recently extended star guard LaMelo Ball.
The Hornets could entice Portland with former first-round pick James Bouknight while the Blazers save nearly $50 million against the cap over the next three seasons. It might take Cronin and Co. throwing in a couple second-round picks. But this would be an ideal trade for the rebuilding team.
Phoenix Suns add more depth
Phoenix will look to bring in more to their rotation as the summer progresses after acquiring Bradley Beal in a trade with the Washington Wizards. Meanwhile, enigmatic center Deandre Ayton has been on the trade block for some time.
In this scenario, the Suns send the 24-year-old Ayton to Portland in exchange for Nurkic, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson. The Blazers pick up a still-young Ayton to help round out a wing-heavy roster. In doing so, they rid themselves of two wings. As for Phoenix, it picks up a starting center and two rotation pieces moving forward. It would be a win-win scenario for the two Western Conference rivals.