A trio of NBA centers — Utah Jazz big man Jusuf Nurkic, Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III, and Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac — could be traded soon.
Jusuf Nurkic Expected To Generate Interest
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported recently that Nurkic “has performed well enough in Utah that he’s also expected to generate some interest from rival teams as he plays out his own $19.3 million expiring deal.”
Through 17 appearances (12 starts) with the Jazz this season, Nurkic is averaging 7.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 24.7 minutes per outing while shooting 42.4% from the field and 57.5% from the foul line.
Nurkic has filled in for starting center Walker Kessler, who suffered a season-ending shoulder injury earlier this month. The 6-foot-11 big man recorded season highs of 13 points and 17 rebounds with Utah.
Barring a major injury, Nurkic will likely remain in the Jazz’s starting lineup in place of Kessler.
Despite that expectation, Nurkic’s time in Utah could be temporary if a rival team makes a compelling offer to Austin Ainge and Utah’s front office in the months ahead.
Robert Williams III On An Expiring Contract
Fischer also mentioned the 28-year-old Williams.
“I’ve also been told that Portland is forecasted to be more willing to move Robert Williams III this season compared to last season, when the Trail Blazers maintained a high asking price for the oft-injured big man.”
Williams has averaged 4.8 points on 64.1% shooting, 4.5 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and 13.1 minutes per game this season across 12 outings off the bench.
However, injuries have caused Williams to miss several games over the past few years. He played just 35 games in 2022-23, six games in 2023-24, and 20 games in 2024-25.
Per Spotrac, Williams is also on an expiring four-year, $48 million extension. The former first-rounder is earning $13.3 million this season, and his deal includes $6 million in total incentives.
Jonathan Isaac Could Be Cap Casualty
Meanwhile, Isaac was selected sixth overall by the Magic in the 2017 draft out of Florida State. The 6-foot-10 wing is playing on a five-year, $84 million contract extension that runs through 2028-29.
Fischer noted that Orlando could potentially move Isaac due to cap troubles.
“Rival cap strategists are thus increasingly pinpointing Isaac as a potential salary casualty in the Magic Kingdom given the expensive territory that looms with Paolo Banchero’s max extension kicking in next season on top of the large deals Orlando awarded to Franz and Jalen Suggs before absorbing Desmond Bane’s own sizable contract via trade.”
Isaac, 28, hasn’t see much playing time this season under coach Jamahl Mosley.
In 17 games as a reserve, Isaac is averaging career lows of 2.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 10 minutes per game while shooting 43.9% from the floor and 66.7% from the free throw line.
Perhaps at least one of these three big men will come up in trade talks involving Dallas Mavericks star forward Anthony Davis, who is rumored to be dealt in the wake of general manager Nico Harrison’s firing.
The 2026 NBA trade deadline is Feb. 5.
