Overview

• Jusuf Nurkic has not played in the Suns' last nine games, with the team going 7-2 during that stretch under Mike Budenholzer's rotation changes.
• Nurkic revealed that he and Budenholzer have not spoken in two months and described their relationship as nonexistent, expressing frustration over his benching.
• The Suns have leaned on new acquisition Nick Richards, who has delivered strong performances, including a 20-point, 19-rebound game against the Wizards.
• Budenholzer stated that playing time is earned and emphasized the depth at the center position, with Richards, Mason Plumlee, and others stepping up.
• With the Feb. 6 trade deadline approaching, Nurkic's future in Phoenix remains uncertain as the team reportedly explores potential trade scenarios involving him.