Jusuf Nurkic is one of the NBA’s most reliable big men, known for his powerful play and inspiring journey from Bosnia to the world’s biggest basketball stage.
In this article, you’ll learn about his personal life, early and professional career, contract and salary details, net worth, endorsements, and NBA stats.
Jusuf Nurkic’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jusuf Nurkić |
| Date of Birth | August 23, 1994 |
| Age | 30 |
| Education | No U.S. college; played in Europe |
| Nationality | Bosnian |
| Height | 7’0″ (213 cm) |
| Weight | 290 lbs (132 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2012 |
| Net Worth | $126,895,180 |
| Salary | $18,125,000 |
| Career Earnings | $129 million |
| Wife | Emina Duric |
| Children | None |
| Instagram Profile | @bosnianbeast27 |
| Twitter Profile | @nurkic23 |
Early Career
Jusuf Nurkic was born in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on August 23, 1994. Growing up in a country recovering from war, he found strength and inspiration from his family, especially his father, Hariz, who stood nearly seven feet tall and worked as a police officer. Jusuf was introduced to basketball at age 14, thanks to a Bosnian sports agent who saw his potential and took him to Slovenia.
He started playing for Zlatorog Laško’s youth team, where his size and skill quickly set him apart. His performances in junior tournaments, especially the Nike International Junior Tournament, put him on the radar of European scouts. Soon after, he joined Cedevita Zagreb in Croatia, marking the start of his professional basketball journey.
Professional Career
Nurkic’s professional debut came with Cedevita Zagreb in 2012. After showing promise in Croatia, he declared for the 2014 NBA Draft and was selected 16th overall by the Chicago Bulls, who traded him to the Denver Nuggets on draft night.
In Denver, Nurkic played behind Nikola Jokic but demonstrated his rebounding and scoring abilities. In 2017, he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, where his career flourished.
He became a key starter, averaging double figures in points and rebounds, and helped lead the Blazers to multiple playoff appearances. Despite facing injuries, Nurkic remained a vital part of every team he joined.
In 2023, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns as part of a blockbuster deal and later joined the Charlotte Hornets for the 2024-25 season, continuing to be a valuable NBA center.
Wife
Jusuf Nurkic is married to Emina Duric, who, like him, is from Tuzla, Bosnia. The couple began dating in 2017 and got engaged in June 2021 during a romantic yacht trip.
After a two-year engagement, they married in July 2023 in a beautiful ceremony at Fort Lovrijenac in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Emina is a pharmacist and prefers to keep her life private, maintaining a low profile on social media.
As of 2025, Jusuf and Emina do not have any children but often travel together and share a close bond.
Jusuf Nurkic’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Jusuf Nurkic’s net worth is estimated at $126,895,180.
Contract
Nurkic is on a four-year, $70 million fully guaranteed contract that runs through the 2025-26 NBA season. Originally signed with the Portland Trail Blazers in July 2022, the contract was transferred to the Phoenix Suns after a trade in 2023, and then to the Charlotte Hornets. The deal pays him an average annual salary of $17.5 million, with Nurkic set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
Salary
For the 2024-25 NBA season, Nurkic’s base salary is $18,125,000. His salary increases each year under the terms of his current contract, reflecting his value as an experienced and productive center.
Career Earnings
| Year | Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 | $15,625,000 |
| 2023-24 | $16,875,000 |
| 2024-25 | $18,125,000 |
| 2025-26 | $19,375,000 |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | Denver | 62 | 27 | 17.8 | 6.9 | 6.2 | 0.8 | .446 | .000 | .636 |
| 2015-16 | Denver | 32 | 3 | 17.1 | 8.2 | 5.5 | 1.3 | .417 | .000 | .616 |
| 2016-17 | Denver/Portland | 65 | 48 | 21.4 | 10.2 | 7.2 | 1.9 | .507 | .000 | .571 |
| 2017-18 | Portland | 79 | 79 | 26.4 | 14.3 | 9.0 | 1.8 | .505 | .000 | .630 |
| 2018-19 | Portland | 72 | 72 | 27.4 | 15.6 | 10.4 | 3.2 | .508 | .103 | .773 |
| 2019-20 | Portland | 8 | 8 | 31.6 | 17.6 | 10.3 | 4.0 | .495 | .200 | .886 |
| 2020-21 | Portland | 37 | 37 | 23.8 | 11.5 | 9.0 | 3.4 | .514 | .400 | .619 |
| 2021-22 | Portland | 56 | 56 | 28.2 | 15.0 | 11.1 | 2.8 | .535 | .268 | .690 |
| 2022-23 | Portland | 52 | 52 | 26.8 | 13.4 | 9.1 | 2.9 | .519 | .361 | .661 |
| 2023-24 | Phoenix | 76 | 76 | 27.3 | 10.9 | 11.0 | 4.0 | .510 | .244 | .640 |
| 2024-25 | Phoenix/Charlotte | 30 | 26 | 22.9 | 8.5 | 9.1 | 2.8 | .457 | .288 | .696 |
| Career | – | 569 | 484 | 24.6 | 11.9 | 9.0 | 2.5 | .501 | .281 | .668 |
FAQs
1. What is Jusuf Nurkic’s net worth?
Jusuf Nurkic’s net worth is estimated at nearly $127 million, thanks to his NBA salaries and endorsements. His earnings place him among the wealthiest Bosnian athletes.
2. Who is Jusuf Nurkic’s wife and do they have children?
Nurkic is married to Emina Duric, a pharmacist from Tuzla, Bosnia. The couple got married in July 2023 after several years of dating. As of 2025, they do not have any children.
3. What team does Jusuf Nurkic play for in the 2024-25 NBA season?
Jusuf Nurkic plays for the Charlotte Hornets. He was traded to the team after stints with the Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Phoenix Suns.
4. How much does Jusuf Nurkic earn per year and when does his contract end?
Nurkic earns $18,125,000 for the 2024-25 season under his four-year, $70 million contract. The contract is fully guaranteed and will end after the 2025-26 NBA season, making him a free agent.
5. What are some of Jusuf Nurkic’s career highlights and records?
Nurkic has been named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team and participated in the Rising Stars Challenge. He set a Suns franchise record with 31 rebounds in a single game and is known for his double-doubles and strong defensive play.
