Jazz Center Jusuf Nurkic to Undergo Nasal Surgery, Will Miss Remainder of Season
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SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz announced that center Jusuf Nurkic is scheduled for nasal surgery on Tuesday and will be sidelined for the rest of the 2025-26 campaign.
League insider Chris Haynes reported that the 31-year-old has struggled with breathing and sleeping since breaking his nose several years ago, prompting the upcoming procedure.
Nurkic appeared in 41 games this season, starting 36. He averaged 10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists across 26.4 minutes per contest.
The veteran has not played since the All-Star break. Earlier in the year, he missed time with a toe injury and logged multiple healthy scratches. Utah explored trading his expiring $19.3 million contract before the Feb. 5 deadline but ultimately kept him on the roster.
With Nurkic headed to unrestricted free agency this summer, his salary will come off the Jazz’s books, giving the club additional cap flexibility. Team officials have not ruled out re-signing him.
Utah acquired Nurkic last offseason, sending Collin Sexton and a second-round pick to Charlotte. He took on a larger role after Walker Kessler suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.
With Nurkic, Kessler and Jaren Jackson Jr. all unavailable, head coach Will Hardy’s remaining options at center are Kyle Filipowski, Kevin Love and Oscar Tshiebwe.
Source: Hoops Rumors
