It's no surprise to recent NBA retirees DeMarcus Cousins and Lou Williams that Phoenix Suns coach Mike Budenholzer abruptly removed Jusuf Nurkic from the starting lineup and rotation in January.

Nurkic said he and Suns coach Mike Budenholzer didn’t talk for two months. This is consistent with him saying Budenholzer didn’t inform him about a decision not to play him Jan. 9 against Atlanta.

Despite having played one season and being part of the ongoing 2024-25 NBA season, his relationship with head coach Mike Budenholzer has not been good. Ahead of Saturday’s matchup against the ...

Unhappy with his status with the Phoenix Suns, center Jusuf Nurkic said he hasn't spoken with coach Mike Budenholzer in two months, going so far as to say the two "don't have a relationship." ...

Jusuf Nurkic's unexpected benching by Coach Mike Budenholzer has led to trade rumors and public discord within the Phoenix Suns. Nurkic stresses professionalism, while Budenholzer cites ...