The Phoenix Suns are "exploring" packaging Jusuf Nurkić and a first-round pick in a trade at next week's deadline, according to HoopsHype's Michael

Suns center Jusuf Nurkic, who has been one of the league's most reliable big men over the past seven seasons, has hit a wall in Phoenix. Nurkic revealed that he and Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer did not talk for two months and do not have a relationship, per azcentral's Duane Rankin.

DETROIT — Kevin Durant sighed as it seemed like he was being disrespected ... as well as going to the foul line nine times. Finding a taker for Jusuf Nurkić is probably next for the Suns, with his $19.3 million salary for next season being an attractive ...

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić was benched earlier this month and hasn't appeared in a game since Jan. 7. Furthermore, Nurkić revealed a somber truth about his relationship with head coach ...

The Phoenix Suns and Kevin ... Jusuf Nurkic is out with an illness, and Bradley Beal is questionable with an ankle injury. It’s fortunate for Phoenix that their top gunners, Durant and Devin ...

Of course, the Suns were expected to be one of the top teams in the West this season due to their superstar trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. Instead, they have struggled, which has already made them make some moves to upgrade their roster.

The Suns drama between Jusuf Nurkic and Mike Budenholzer had some interesting analysis from DeMarcus Cousins about Nurkic's role.

The Suns average 14.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.3 more made shots on average than the 12.7 per game the Timberwolves allow. The Timberwolves are shooting 46.0% from the field, 0.2% lower than the 46.2% the Suns' opponents have shot this season.

Things are looking up for the Phoenix Suns on the basketball court these days. The same can't be said for Jusuf Nurkic.

Devin Booker scored 26 points, Kevin Durant added 24 and the surging Phoenix Suns survived a late scare for a 111-109 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night

The struggling Nurkic has gone from the starting center to a benchwarmer in the space of about a month. Coach Mike Budenholzer doesn’t seem like he’s going to reverse that decision any time soon — especially with the Suns winning eight of their last 11 games and the emergence of newcomer Nick Richards .

Dan Favale of Bleacher Report gave every single team a letter grade at the official halfway point of the season - and the Suns were given an undeniably poor mark. More from Favale as to why the Suns received an F+ 43 games into the season: