Suns Trade Jusuf Nurkić and First-Round Pick to Hornets for Cody Martin and Vasilije Micić

The midseason move reshapes Phoenix's roster as they add defensive depth and backcourt options while offloading Nurkić after a contentious benching.

The Phoenix Suns traded center Jusuf Nurkić and a 2026 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Cody Martin, Vasilije Micić, and a 2026 second-round pick.
Jusuf Nurkić, averaging 8.6 points and 9.2 rebounds this season, had been benched since early January and expressed frustration with his role under Suns coach Mike Budenholzer.
Cody Martin, a 6-foot-6 wing known for his point-of-attack defense, joins the Suns with one year left on his contract after spending six seasons with the Hornets.
Vasilije Micić, a former EuroLeague star, adds backcourt depth for Phoenix as he approaches the final guaranteed year of his NBA contract.
The Hornets gain Nurkić to bolster their frontcourt following recent roster changes, including the trade of Mark Williams to the Lakers.