Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey has introduced a new concept in the ongoing rebuild of the Portland Trail Blazers, but is he accurately assessing Jusuf Nurkic’s worth?
With the Trail Blazers actively exploring the trade market for their star point guard, Damian Lillard, the name of center Jusuf Nurkic has emerged in trade talks as a potential candidate to be moved soon.
This could either be as part of a larger trade involving Lillard or as a separate move as the team shifts its focus toward the future.
In one of Bailey’s recent articles featuring trade ideas across the league, he includes a trade scenario involving Nurkic.
In this proposal, Bailey suggests sending Nurkic to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for forward Davis Bertans and two future second-round draft picks, considering it the best market offer for the 29-year-old, 6-foot-11 center.
For Portland, this move would represent a small step in their rebuilding process. It’s unlikely they can expect much more than two second-round picks and a contract that expires a year earlier than Nurkic’s (which concludes after the 2025-26 season).
Recent reports have also hinted at a potential trade between Nurkic and the Phoenix Suns, possibly involving a swap for Deandre Ayton as part of a multi-team trade centered around Lillard.
These reports are more optimistic compared to the trade proposal mentioned, which seems more like a salary dump and wouldn’t come into effect until the end of the 2024-25 season.
Nurkic is slated to earn approximately $54 million over the next three seasons, while Bertans, aged 30, is set to make $33 million over the next two seasons.
Although Bertans is known for his sharpshooting abilities and contributed to the Dallas Mavericks’ 2022 playoff run, Bailey acknowledges that he is unlikely to see much playing time with the Thunder.
While the Blazers ranked 14th in three-point shooting percentage last season, their struggles extended beyond this aspect during a challenging season.
Acquiring two second-round draft picks could provide Blazers General Manager Joe Cronin with opportunities to acquire young talent and save about $21 million in salary.
However, failing to secure a reliable starting center in return could leave a significant gap in the Blazers’ rotation, which is less than ideal for the development of their young core.
Throughout his tenure with the franchise, Nurkic has consistently delivered near double-double performance, and his improved three-point shooting has been a valuable addition.
Retaining his contract at $19.3 million for the 2025-26 season could potentially offer greater benefits to the Blazers than the proposed deal.
Ultimately, the decision regarding Damian Lillard’s future will play a significant role in shaping the Blazers’ course of action. Nevertheless, Bailey’s proposal prompts a valuable discussion about the true value of Jusuf Nurkic.