PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JANUARY 12: Nick Richards #4 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the second … [+] half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on January 12, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Hornets 120-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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The Phoenix Suns’ center rotation was in a dire state less than 24 hours ago. Jusuf Nurkic had been removed entirely from their rotation, while Mason Plumlee’s on-court flaws began to show through on a more consistent basis.
Enter in Charlotte Hornets backup big Nick Richards, who will now become Phoenix’s starting center this week.
According to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports, with initial dialogue between Phoenix and Charlotte reported by me, the Suns traded Josh Okogie and three second-round picks for Richards and a 2025 second-round selection.
Phoenix had zeroed in on Richards over the last few weeks, according to a source. Originally, the Suns hoped to include Nurkic in the package for Richards and reserve wing Cody Martin, but Charlotte wanted all of their most valuable draft assets in return.
In turn, Phoenix quickly pivoted to relinquishing Okogie and second-round picks to bring aboard Richards, which was finalized on January 15th. Okogie, who re-signed with the Suns in the offseason on a balloon payment raise of $8.3 million, became eligible to be traded that day as well.
This season, Richards is averaging 8.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 21 minutes per game. And in his career as a starter, Richards is producing double-double numbers while being an adequate rim protector compared to what Phoenix currently had on their roster.
Another positive as it relates to Richards is his bargain contract, which Phoenix absorbed while saving over $20 million in luxury tax penalties in the process. Richards makes $5 million this season and next season, but the 2025-26 campaign is non-guaranteed.
If Richards produces well in Phoenix the rest of the season, a potential multi-year extension for the 27-year-old from Jamaica could become a reality.
Instantly with the acquisition of Richards, Phoenix upgrades their big man rotation in a huge manner. Richards will slide into a starting spot alongside Kevin Durant in the frontcourt, while impressive rookie Oso Ighodaro will supplant Nurkic and Plumlee as the primary backup.
The primary role for Richards will be simplified — catch lobs, defend and rebound at a high level — and the Suns hope his strengths will be amplified playing alongside scorers like Durant and Devin Booker.
Compared to the three other centers on Phoenix’s roster currently, Richards becomes the best in terms of pick-and-roll efficiency and defending the rim:
- Richards = 1.17 points per possession + 45.5 DFG% (defended shot attempts)
- Ighodaro = 0.95 points per possession + 46.7 DFG%
- Plumlee = 1.00 points per possession + 50.7 DFG%
- Nurkic = 0.89 points per possession + 49.4 DFG%
Even after trading for Richards, don’t expect the Suns to be done making moves to their roster before the February 6th trade deadline.
Phoenix remains active in their pursuit of Jimmy Butler, per a source, and it could drag all the way until the offseason if Miami plays hardball with their star player. Keeping ahold of their 2031 first-round pick — their only valued tradeable asset remaining — it would very likely have to be included in a deal for Butler in order for a facilitating team to take on Bradley Beal’s remaining contract, which runs through 2027.
Acquiring Richards was the first step of what figures to be an active next few weeks for the Suns, whether it be for a Butler trade or another move on the margins. After prioritizing him in trade talks, Phoenix is eager to see how Richards meshes within their lineup.
