Nurkic: I have great respect for Partizan Belgrade, but I have no intention of leaving the NBA.

Jusuf Nurkic said on Saturday that he currently has no plans to leave the NBA.

Recently, Nurkic expressed his regret at not being able to join Partizan Belgrade during an appearance on the "X and O's" podcast: "I haven't received any offers from Partizan Belgrade. No, not at all, at least I'm unaware of any. However, I certainly hoped to receive an offer."

Given that Nurkic's current contract is about to expire, his remarks have been interpreted in various ways. Some media outlets have even seized upon this, interpreting Nurkic's comments as a possible signal that he might return to European leagues.

Faced with rampant rumors, Nurkic had to clarify via the X platform: "My words have been taken out of context. I was referring to the early stages of my basketball career. Obviously, I didn't receive an offer from Partizan Belgrade at that time. As a fan, I have great respect for Partizan Belgrade. However, I currently have no intention of leaving the NBA."

Jusuf Nurkic, 31, is a 2.11-meter tall, 132-kilogram Bosnian center who spent the early part of his career with Croatia's KK Cedevita and Zadar. He entered the NBA as the 16th overall pick in the first round of the draft when he was close to 20 years old, and subsequently played for the Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers, Phoenix Suns, and Charlotte Hornets.

Since being traded to the Jazz in June 2025, Nurkic has played 41 regular season games, averaging 10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.3 steals in 26.4 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 50.3% and a three-point percentage of 35.2%. However, he was sidelined for the rest of the season in February due to nasal surgery.

Nurkic's contract with the Jazz expires in early July, at which point he will become a free agent. Although the player himself strongly desires to re-sign with the Jazz, it remains to be seen whether the management will retain him.

Image source: Internet/NBA official website