The Phoenix Suns are currently navigating through a mix of trade rumors and shifting player roles as they look to fine-tune their roster. Head coach Mike Budenholzer is clearly focused on improving the team, and one player who’s been at the center of trade chatter is Jusuf Nurkic. After joining the Suns in the offseason, Nurkic’s minutes have dropped recently, leading to speculation that Phoenix might be ready to move on from him. With all the buzz around their key players, fans and analysts are eagerly waiting to see what the Suns will do next. And as trade talks heat up, it seems like new updates are here.

Reports suggest that Phoenix are in talks with the Charlotte Hornets, and Evan Sidery of Forbes has provided some insight into the ongoing trade discussions. According to his sources, the proposed deal would send Nurkic and second-round picks to Charlotte in exchange for Nick Richards and another player. Sidery shared on his X account, “The Suns and Hornets have held preliminary trade discussions that would send Jusuf Nurkic and second-round picks for Nick Richards. Phoenix has removed Nurkic from the rotation as they seek a trade. Charlotte would send another player alongside Richards in the deal.”

This potential trade stems from Nurkic’s declining role in Phoenix. His season averages—8.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game questions whether he will fit with the team with a hefty $18 million salary. Once the team’s starting center, Nurkic hasn’t seen the court in recent games, including the recent 114-106 win over the Utah Jazz because of the consecutive DNP-CDs (Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision). When asked about his diminishing role in the team, head coach Mike Budenholzer said, “He’s got to be ready. Everybody is earning their minutes. Everybody is earning their opportunities. We’re going to need everybody as we go through the season.”

Meanwhile, Nick Richards, a 6’11” center for the Hornets, offers a younger, more cost-effective option. Averaging 9.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks this season, Richards’ defensive skills and athleticism have caught the Suns’ attention as they look to address depth issues in their frontcourt. But Richards isn’t the only player to watch. There’s someone else whose potential involvement could take the story in a surprising direction.

Who Will Reshape the Suns’ Frontcourt Post- Jusuf Nurkic

While all this talk about Jusuf Nurkic’s potential departure dominates the conversation, there’s another player who has quietly been in the wings. After the Suns’ Sunday win, Duane Rankin asked Budenholzer about Bol Bol to which he replied, “He’s on our mind. He’s an option for us. He can play the 5 spot, he can play the 4 with a more traditional 5. He’s been good in practice. He’s working. We know he’s an option for us.”

Bol Bol, the 7-foot-2 center with a unique skill set, has yet to carve out a consistent role in Phoenix. Known for his versatility and shot-blocking ability, Bol has shown flashes of brilliance in the past but has struggled to find stability in the league. Currently, he has been averaging 3.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, and a 57.9% field goal percentage per game.

It’s clear from Mike’s response that the Suns haven’t forgotten about Bol. While he’s not a primary part of their game plans right now, Budenholzer acknowledged that Bol’s versatility could still be useful to the team. Whether as a center or a power forward alongside a more traditional big man, Bol’s skill set offers some intriguing possibilities for the Suns.

With the trade deadline approaching, the Suns are at a crossroads. If they pull the trigger on the Nurkic-for-Richards trade, it could open up more minutes for Bol in the frontcourt. The Suns are still keeping an eye on Bol’s development, but for now, he remains a player waiting for his moment. Whether or not Nurkic is traded, Bol’s future with the Suns is still very much up in the air. But one thing is clear: the Suns recognize his potential, and his time may come sooner rather than later.