NBA Insider Claims Nurkic and Bradley Beal to Be Dropped

According to reports, the Phoenix Suns will alter their lineup significantly during a four-game losing streak. NBA insider Chris Haynes claims that starting Monday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Suns will not be starting center Jusuf Nurkić and shooting guard Bradley Beal. According to reports, veteran center Mason Plumlee and rookie forward Ryan Dunn will take their position.

Sources: In midst of 4-game losing streak and tension in locker room, Phoenix expected to make drastic change by removing Bradley Beal, Jusuf Nurkic from starting lineup beginning Monday at Philadelphia. #haynesbriefs pic.twitter.com/utz0FNLppB

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 6, 2025

There is “tension” in the Suns locker room, according to Haynes, as players are “unsure of their roles and frustrated with how they’re being used” while the coaching staff is “still figuring things out.”

The Suns, who began the season with eight victories in their first nine games, are currently 15-18 and last in the Pacific Division. The squad lost 126-108 to the Indiana Pacers on Saturday to begin a three-game road trip.

Can the Suns afford to cut Bradley Beal and Nurkic given their wage bill?

Given the amount of money invested in the squad, Phoenix’s current troubles are especially shameful. The Suns had the largest NBA payroll this season at $226.2 million, over $21 million more than the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are in second place ($205.4 million).

Before the 2023–24 season, Beal was acquired from the Washington Wizards with the intention of forming a new Big 3 with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.

But in his debut season in Phoenix, the 31-year-old played in just 53 games, which caused problems for the team’s chemistry. Since the Suns are averaging 112.1 points per game and letting their opponents score 114.4 points per game, things haven’t gotten any better this season.

When the Suns and Sixers play on Monday night, they might be able to snap their losing run because they won their first meeting in November.

The post NBA Insider Claims Nurkic and Bradley Beal to Be Dropped appeared first on BlackSportsOnline.