The Phoenix Suns recently addressed their precarious center situation by acquiring Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets, marking a significant upgrade to their frontcourt. Just a day prior, the Suns’ center rotation was in disarray, with Jusuf Nurkic removed from the rotation and Mason Plumlee’s limitations becoming increasingly apparent. Recognizing the urgent need for a reliable center, the Suns targeted Richards, a backup big man for the Hornets, and finalized a trade on January 15th. The deal involved sending Josh Okogie and three second-round picks to Charlotte in exchange for Richards and a 2025 second-round pick. This acquisition represents a shrewd move for Phoenix, bolstering their frontcourt while maintaining financial flexibility.
The Suns’ pursuit of Richards had been ongoing for several weeks, initially hoping to include Nurkic in a package deal for Richards and Cody Martin. However, Charlotte’s insistence on receiving Phoenix’s most valuable draft assets led the Suns to shift their focus towards a deal centered around Okogie and second-round picks. This proved more palatable for Phoenix, especially since Okogie’s recently restructured contract with an $8.3 million balloon payment made him eligible for trade on the same day the deal was finalized. The acquisition of Richards allows the Suns to address their center needs without sacrificing crucial future assets.
Richards brings a valuable skillset to the Suns, averaging 8.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks in just over 20 minutes per game this season. More importantly, his career performance as a starter showcases his ability to consistently produce double-doubles while providing adequate rim protection, a significant improvement over the Suns’ previous options. Beyond his on-court contributions, Richards’ contract is another positive aspect of the trade. His $5 million salary for this season and the next, with a non-guaranteed final year in 2025-26, offers Phoenix financial flexibility and substantial savings in luxury tax penalties, exceeding $20 million. This cost-effective acquisition allows the Suns to explore further roster improvements without exceeding the salary cap.
Richards’ arrival instantly elevates the Suns’ big man rotation. He is slated to start alongside Kevin Durant, while promising rookie Oso Ighodaro moves into the backup role, effectively replacing Nurkic and Plumlee. The Suns envision a simplified yet impactful role for Richards, focusing on catching lobs, defending, and rebounding at a high level. Playing alongside prolific scorers like Durant and Devin Booker is expected to amplify Richards’ strengths and create opportunities for him to thrive in the pick-and-roll game. His statistical profile further supports this optimism, as he boasts superior pick-and-roll efficiency and rim protection compared to the other centers on the Suns’ roster.
Statistically, Richards holds a clear advantage in key areas compared to the other centers on the Suns’ roster. He averages 1.17 points per possession in pick-and-roll situations and holds opponents to a 45.5% field goal percentage on defended shots. These figures surpass Ighodaro (0.95 points per possession, 46.7% DFG%), Plumlee (1.00 points per possession, 50.7% DFG%), and Nurkic (0.89 points per possession, 49.4% DFG%). This statistical comparison underscores Richards’ potential to significantly improve the Suns’ interior presence and offensive efficiency. It also suggests that, despite his status as a backup in Charlotte, he possesses the skills and potential to become a valuable starting center in Phoenix.
Despite the positive implications of the Richards acquisition, the Suns are expected to remain active in the trade market leading up to the February 6th deadline. The pursuit of Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler remains a top priority, potentially extending into the offseason if Miami proves unwilling to part with him. Securing Butler, however, would likely require the Suns to include their 2031 first-round pick – their only remaining valuable trade asset – and potentially involve a third team to absorb Bradley Beal’s substantial contract, which extends through 2027. While the acquisition of Richards represents a significant step forward, the Suns’ front office continues to explore avenues for further roster improvement, aiming to build a championship-contending team around Durant and Booker.
