The Charlotte Hornets' trade for Jusuf Nurkic is still pending

Hornets deal with the Suns has not gone through yet.

Jan 7, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (20) reacts after being called on a foul during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images / Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images

In wake of the Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Lakers deal surrounding Mark Williams and Dalton Knecht being rescinded over the weekend, it may not be the only Hornets deal that may not go through.

According to the team, the Hornets trade with the Phoenix Suns for center Jusuf Nurkic is still pending.

The Jusuf Nurkic deal is still pending. The deal has yet to be finalized for some small details, so Nurkic can’t suit up for Charlotte yet. Same thing with Cody and Vasa in Phoenix.

— Owen O’Connor (@OwenOConnorNBA) February 9, 2025

Nurkic was one of Charlotte's big deadline additions, as the team sent Cody Martin and Vasa Micic to Phoenix to bring him in. The Bosnian Beast was set to be the team's second center after Moussa Diabate after Williams was dealt.

However, with Williams headed back to Charlotte, it makes things difficult. The former Blue Devil is without a doubt the most talented center on the roster, and the team even admitted in it's statement that he is the starting center.

pic.twitter.com/vSBcFUH2SA

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) February 9, 2025

On Sunday, the team converted Diabate from a two-way deal, giving him a standard three-year NBA contract.

The Charlotte Hornets are converting two-way forward Moussa Diabate to a standard three-year NBA contract, sources tell ESPN. Diabate has averaged 4.7 points and 7.1 rebounds this season for the Hornets. pic.twitter.com/jLw1pAVhX7

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 9, 2025

So, what happens with Nurkic? If the trade goes through, I doubt the team would bench or buy him out. When I spoke to Charles Lee postgame on Friday, he seemed excited when he spoke about Nurkic's offensive abilities.

"Offensively, I think he has added a little bit of shooting to his game over the last couple of years, so that'll be a nice added bonus to our offense. He does such a great job, too, with his screens in general. I think he's gonna get (LaMelo) open, he's gonna get Nick (Smith Jr.), Miles (Bridges), and just down the line for our guards, and I look forward to him joining the group."

Talked to Charles Lee about his confidence in Moussa Diabate, and how Jusuf Nurkic impacts him going forward: pic.twitter.com/VlCYubgn24

— Owen O’Connor (@OwenOConnorNBA) February 8, 2025

So, why would the deal be rescinded? There is really only two explanations.

The Mark Williams deal makes Nurkic not as important

Feb 5, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) lays in the basket over Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Nurkic was brought in to be the second center in the rotation with Moussa Diabate. However, with Mark Williams being sent back to Charlotte, Nurkic now becomes the third center in the rotation. With this, the Hornets may have buyers remorse and request the deal be canceled to use Cody Martin and Vasa Micic for other deals in the offseason.

Cody Martin's physical

Jan 24, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Cody Martin (11) brings the ball up court against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images / Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

The more likely option, Cody Martin's physical. After Mark failed his, it would not be shocking to see that Cody Martin failed his. Martin has been dealing with a sports hernia, which typically sees a 6-8 week recovery time. The Suns may have another year left on Martin's deal, but this could impact them in the offseason, as an ugly trade deadline could cause a blow-up in Phoenix, and Martin is not exactly a core piece to hold on to.

The deal will most likely go through, but we will keep you updated.

- MORE STORIES FROM HORNETS ON SI -

Charlotte Hornets announce promising LaMelo Ball injury update

Bucks could have interest in Hornets wing Cody Martin after twin brother's trade

Charles Lee explains why the Hornets have struggled against the Wizards this season

NBA Mock Trade: Bucks land Hornets' star Miles Bridges in latest projected swap