Salt Lake City — Center Jusuf Nurkić reiterated his commitment to the Utah Jazz despite recent trade speculation ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline. The 31-year-old veteran, earning $19.4 million in the final year of his contract, called himself “a Jazz for life” after practice, telling reporters he hopes to finish the season in Utah even though he has missed games with a toe injury and logged three straight DNP-CDs last week.
Team officials value Nurkić’s league-leading screen assists and his fit alongside Utah’s young core. While a mid-season move remains possible, the organization has not ruled out re-signing him as a free agent this summer, potentially as a backup to Walker Kessler in 2026-27.
Avdija thriving on modest extension
In Portland, sixth-year forward Deni Avdija is averaging career bests of 26.2 points and 6.9 assists, turning his four-year, $55 million extension—now in its second season—into one of the league’s most favorable contracts. Avdija said he has no regrets about locking in early security, noting that “if I outplay my contract, we’ll deal with that later.”
Henderson inches toward return
Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson ran full-court sprints after Tuesday’s practice, his most significant activity since tearing his left hamstring. Head coach Tiago Splitter called the injury “tough” and cautioned against rushing the second-year guard back, citing the risk of reinjury.
Nuggets monitor Jokic, Valanciunas
Denver Nuggets coach David Adelman said center Nikola Jokić’s recovery from a hyperextended left knee remains “up and down.” Fellow big man Jonas Valančiūnas (right calf strain) is expected to return first, though no firm timetable was provided.
The teams will continue to evaluate their players’ statuses as the season approaches the trade deadline and the playoff race tightens.
Source: Hoops Rumors
