Free Agent Jusuf Nurkic Wants To Remain In NBA

Jusuf Nurkic has no intention of leaving the NBA despite a post that hinted he might be interested in going to Europe to continue his career.

Nurkic, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, made an appearance on the X and O’s Podcast and spoke about the Serbian club Partizan, as relayed by Eurohoops.net.

“I didn’t have an offer from the black-and-whites (Partizan). I didn’t, at least I don’t know that I did, but I wish that I had,” the Bosnian big man said.

Nurkic posted on social media that he was speaking about the early days of his career, not his current status.

“My statement was taken out of context. I was referring to the very beginning of my basketball career,” he wrote. “Of course I didn’t have an offer from Partizan back then. I’m a fan and I have great respect for @PartizanBC, but I have no intention of leaving the NBA.”

Nurkic spent this season with the Jazz, averaging 10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 26.4 minutes per game. He only played 41 games (36 starts) as his season was cut short after the All-Star break by nasal surgery.

Earlier in the season, he missed time due to a toe injury and also had several DNP-CDs. He was a prime candidate to be dealt before the Feb. 5 trade deadline due his expiring $19.3MM contract.

Nurkic reportedly would like to re-sign with Utah, though it’s uncertain whether the team will pursue that avenue. In any case, Nurkic will likely have to take a pay cut to stay in the league. Nurkic, 31, has been a fixture in the NBA since the 2014/15 season.