Phoenix Suns Injury Report: Latest on Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic's availability
Two of the Phoenix Suns' potential trade candidates, Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic are on the team's injury report ahead of the Monday night clash against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Beal is a doubtful starter listed as questionable with a left ankle sprain, while Nurkic is ruled out with a return to complete conditioning. Per reports, the center was dealing with an illness that sidelined him for the last few games.
Beal missed the game against the Detroit Pistons. He last played against the Atlanta Hawks, propping up 15 points, three rebounds, and six assists. As for Nurkic, his last game was the loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Jan. 4 in which he recorded eight points, three rebounds, and five fouls in 19 minutes of action.
Bradley Beal and Jusuf Burkic trade rumors: What's next for the guard and the center?
Earlier, there were reports of the Suns actively shopping Jusuf Nurkic. However, his contract and declining performances have been challenges for the front office, per John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports. He is averaging 8.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, a dip in numbers compared to his stint in Portland. Add a hefty four-year deal worth $70 million, the center is owed over $19 million still owed for the next season leaving teams reluctant.
As for Beal, the latest update sees him generate interest from the Milwaukee Bucks. He was previously linked to the side before being swooped by the Suns. They moved on to Damian Lillard, but according to NBA insider Marc Stein, that interest could now be rekindled.
Stein added that Milwaukee "have been more frequently painted as a team likely to rekindle their previous interest in Phoenix's Bradley Beal if they intend to pursue a trade for a player in the $50 million range."
While the deal comes with its fair share of challenges — fit-wise and financially, the biggest question that needs addressing is whether the Bucks need Bradley Beal. He comes in with defensive shortcomings and his trade would mean sacrificing depth. While there is no concrete developments on that end, it remains to be seen if the Bucks pursue Beal.