It has been a disappointing season for the Phoenix Suns thus far and they are expected to make some major changes ahead of the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline. Phoenix has been better recently, winning eight of their last 10 games including three consecutive.

It had become abundantly clear in recent weeks that Nick Richards was the Phoenix Suns' primary ... Of course, this pursuit of Richards came amid drama surrounding Jusuf Nurkic, due to his suspension and subsequent benching by head coach Mike Budenholzer.

The Phoenix Suns are "exploring" packaging Jusuf Nurkić and a first-round pick in a trade at next week's deadline, according to HoopsHype's Michael

The Athletic's Sam Vecenie presents a trade that would send Jusuf Nurkic to the Chicago Bulls and forward Patrick Williams to the Phoenix Suns.

The Suns drama between Jusuf Nurkic and Mike Budenholzer had some interesting analysis from DeMarcus Cousins about Nurkic's role.

Richards - coupled with rookie stud Oso Ighodaro - will inject a very pointed surge of athleticism into the Suns' lineup. Last season Nick Richards had more dunks (120) than Nurkic and Plumlee combined (100) in 1000 fewer minutes.

DeMarcus Cousins has criticized Jusuf Nurkic for publicly expressing frustrations with Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer. Nurkic’s role has been reduce

The Phoenix Suns have won seven of their last nine games as they enter Monday night's home contest against the Los Angeles Clippers, who are on a roll themselves as winners of six of their past eight.

The struggling Nurkic has gone from the starting center to a benchwarmer in the space of about a month. Coach Mike Budenholzer doesn’t seem like he’s going to reverse that decision any time soon — especially with the Suns winning eight of their last 11 games and the emergence of newcomer Nick Richards .

The Phoenix Suns returning 3-2 after a five-game road trip are expected to be at full strength Saturday against the Washington Wizards as Jusuf Nurkić (reconditioning) and Bradley Beal (probable, left ankle sprain) return to the lineup.

Dan Favale of Bleacher Report gave every single team a letter grade at the official halfway point of the season - and the Suns were given an undeniably poor mark. More from Favale as to why the Suns received an F+ 43 games into the season: