Jusuf Nurkic finally breaks silence on alleged fallout with coach Mike Budenholzer amid trade rumors: "We don’t have a relationship"

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic addressed the ongoing trade rumors on Saturday, breaking his silence and speaking candidly about his strained relationship with head coach Mike Budenholzer. Nurkic, who has missed the Suns' last nine games, has been at the center of speculation, with reports suggesting the team is actively exploring trade options for the Bosnian big man ahead of the deadline.

Rumors of a rift between Nurkic and Budenholzer began circulating after the coach decided to remove him from the starting lineup. Nurkic previously revealed that Budenholzer did not communicate with him before making the decision to bench him for a game against the Atlanta Hawks earlier this month.

Amid the ongoing turmoil, Jusuf Nurkic admitted that he and the coach had not spoken for two months, emphasizing that there is no relationship between them at this point.

"We don’t have a relationship," Nurkic said, as quoted by azcentral.com. "So, it’s fine. For me, just be a pro and do the best I can.

"Work and stay ready for whatever might be, but there is no chaos or bringing that to this team. They already have plenty of it. Trying to be as professional as I can and work my ass off for something else."

Nurkic last took the court for the Suns on Jan. 7 in a game against the Charlotte Hornets, logging 19 minutes. He recorded eight points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block in the contest.

Mike Budenholzer responds to Jusuf Nurkic

After the Phoenix Suns' 119-109 victory over the Washington Wizards on Saturday, head coach Mike Budenholzer addressed Jusuf Nurkic's recent comments. Budenholzer refuted the center's claim of "no communication" and shared details about what was actually conveyed to the Bosnian big man.

"He hasn’t played, I’m sure he’s frustrated, so I respect that," Budenholzer said. "Conversations have been had. There’s been communication….you gotta earn your minutes, and that’s been communicated."

Regarding Nurkic, the former Portland Trail Blazers center has appeared in only 25 of the Suns' 44 games this season.