SALT LAKE CITY – Newly acquired Utah Jazz big man Jusuf Nurkic has joined the team and spoke on the trade and his new home in a press conference on Thursday.
Utah traded Collin Sexton and a second-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets for Nurkic on Sunday.
first media availability as a Jazzman for @bosnianbeast27 💜
full video available here 📺 https://t.co/BrL0vRL2fE#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/tva1kc66uf
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) July 3, 2025
Jusuf Nurkic Speaks For First Time As Member Of Utah Jazz
The trade was shocking to many. It was somewhat expected that the Jazz would look to trade veterans, but not many saw Nurkic and the Hornets as a candidate.
Nurkic said he found out about the trade while at the movie theater with his wife. Though caught off guard, he was excited about the move.
“It was funny the way it happened,” Nurkic said. “I was with my wife at the movie theater, and I got a phone call. You never know what’s going to happen in the NBA. But, I was (told) it was Utah, and I was really excited. I’m looking forward to (playing for) a great organization.”
He went on to say that he has to switch his mindset on the Jazz. As a longtime veteran, he has played his fair share of games in Utah.
Now, getting an inside look at the team and living in the state, he said he has to remake his perception of both the place and the franchise.
“I’ve always loved the fans,” Nurkic said. “It’s always tough to play in (Utah). Knowing what I know about Utah in 11 years in the NBA, I feel like I had to delete it. What I’ve seen (over the past few days) it’s a super nice state. Reminds me of Portland and Phoenix, kind of mixed. It’s cool to be in a family-style environment with a great culture.”
Welcome to Utah, Jusuf 🏔️💜
📓 | https://t.co/NxRchR2mel#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/jQVruX2Ipy
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) June 30, 2025
Regarding his role, Nurkic said he wasn’t sure what that would look like yet.
With Walker Kessler on the team, it’s expected that he will fill a backup position. But anything can happen, especially on a young team. For now, he said he will be going through introductions and getting set upon in his new home.
“I’ve talked to everyone, but it’s too early,” Nurkic said. “I don’t think the role and minutes and all of those things come at this point. I just got here yesterday. I’m sure there will be plenty of talk for that, but I’m just adjusting to the timezone now.”
The SLC and Vegas Summer Leagues will take place this month. Fans will likely get their first look at Nurkic in a Jazz uniform during the 2025–26 preseason, beginning in early October.
Chandler Holt is a co-host of theJazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer forKSLSports.com. FollowChandler on Xfor Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.
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