Jusuf Nurkic is the biggest loser from Suns' Nick Richards trade

The Phoenix Suns have acquired Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets. They sent Josh Okogie and three future second-round picks to the Eastern Conference franchise as part of the deal. Phoenix now has Mason Plumlee, Jusuf Nurkic and Richards in its big-man rotation.

Nurkic was recently moved to the Suns bench. The veteran big has struggled on both sides of the floor this season, leading Mike Budenholzer to begin exploring other options within the rotation. The addition of Richards will likely squeeze Nurkic's available playing time even further. 

As such, the Suns may choose to explore Nurkic's value around the NBA. The 30-year-old big man has one more year beyond this season under contract, earning $18.1 this season and $19.3 million next season. Phoenix could use those high earnings to work as salary-matching in a potential trade. However, the front office would likely need to attach draft picks to sweeten any deal.

The Suns can't afford for a disgruntled Nurkic to sit on the bench for the remainder of the season. Fortunately, his 8.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game could entice a front office to enter negotiations with the Suns, especially if they're not looking for a huge return. 

Whatever happens with Nurkic between now and the Feb. 6 trade deadline, it's clear that he's the one who will be hit hardest by Richards' arrival. The former Hornets big man projects to be a better fit with the starters and doesn't have the injury concerns that Nurkic brings to the table. 

If Phoenix is unable to find a willing buyer at the trade deadline, Nurkic will likely still have a role to play. The problem is that Richards and Plumlee also need minutes, and it's unlikely the coaching staff will limit Richards' exposure after giving up future assets to acquire him.

Nurkic's future projects to be away from Phoenix. Unfortunately, he may be stranded with the franchise for the next few months, and even then, there's no guarantee he will find a new home. Nurkic's tenure in Phoenix became a lot more complicated on Wednesday, and right now, there doesn't appear to be a clear-cut answer on how to solve it.