Western Notes: Nurkic, Fox, Davis, Blazers, Harden

Though a a report Quite the opposite, Suns They don’t seem to be actively procuring Yusuf NurkicA supply tells Gerald Bourget of PHNX Sports activities (Twitter link).

Whereas the excellence could also be vital to Nurkic himself, the query of whether or not or not the veteran middle is being “actively shopped” probably comes right down to semantics, because it’s clear that Phoenix would transfer him if the proper alternative arises.

Nevertheless, it will not be simple to search out that proper alternative. Bourget notes that Nurkic, who has yet one more assured 12 months remaining on his contract after this season, may have restricted worth on the commerce market and could also be simpler to commerce within the offseason. The Suns can also’t bundle salaries within the commerce since they’re engaged on the second tax enviornment, that means Nurkic cannot be dealt for a participant who makes greater than he does ($18.13 million).

This is extra from across the Western Convention:

• weighs on De’Aaron Fox The state of affairs in Sacramento, Mark Stein (Substack link) covers most of the identical bases as The Athletic’s Sam Amick I did earlier todayI write that the groups are monitoring the state of affairs intently although Kings They don’t seem to be but prepared to entertain the thought of ​​buying and selling their star guard. Focus on the likelihood Rockets Stein follows up on Fuchs, and cautions towards assuming Houston will likely be within the combine, although the 27-year-old suits the group’s schedule higher than beforehand rumored targets like Jimmy Butler or Kevin Durant. Stein writes that Rockets officers like what the present roster seems to be like and is probably not specializing in Fox as a participant they wish to sacrifice many beneficial property to get.
• the Lakers detained Anthony Davis Sidelined Thursday towards Portland with a sprained left ankle. As ESPN’s Dave McMenamin says (Via Twitter), head coach JJ Riddick He mentioned earlier than the sport that the Lakers wished to “be sensible” about Davis’ persistent ankle ache and famous that the group faces a tricky schedule in January, with 17 video games within the subsequent 30 days.
• In a preview of what 2025 holds for Path Blazers, Sean Haykin of The Rose Garden Report (sub-link) He reiterates some extent he made earlier than, writing that it was “exhausting to think about” a state of affairs during which Chauncey Billups He’ll nonetheless be teaching the Blazers by the point the 2025/26 season ends. Highkin additionally explores the place issues stand with Portland’s prime commerce candidates and the Blazers’ possession state of affairs, amongst different subjects.
• Clippers star James Harden He was downgraded to questionable after which dominated out of the group’s sport Thursday towards Oklahoma Metropolis attributable to hip soreness. Like Lou Murray from The Athletic TweetHarden additionally missed one sport final month with a hip problem — if the ailment is not extra critical this time round, it should not trigger him to overlook a lot — if any — further time.