The struggling Nurkic has gone from the starting center to a benchwarmer in the space of about a month. Coach Mike Budenholzer doesn’t seem like he’s going to reverse that decision any time soon — especially with the Suns winning eight of their last 11 games and the emergence of newcomer Nick Richards .

Jusuf Nurkic doesn't think that he will be traded from the Phoenix Suns ahead of the deadline, and he has a reason.

Veteran center Jusuf Nurkic was benched earlier this season, and in a perfect world, the Suns would love to use his $18.1 million salary to land a difference-maker. In the meantime, though, he is still a member of the Suns and is working through those difficult circumstances.

Suns center Jusuf Nurkić said he and head coach Mike Budenholzer "don't have a relationship" in the aftermath of his benching.

Jusuf Nurkic apparently has gone from starting center to persona non grata with the Phoenix Suns. Nurkic hasn't played since a Jan. 7 loss to the Charlotte Hornets when he scored eight points and pulled down three rebounds in 19 minutes.

Jusuf Nurkic was incredibly open about how his current standing with Mike Budenholzer has impacted his playing career.