Phoenix Suns Trade for Nick Richards from Hornets – Basketball Insiders

The Phoenix Suns have made a transfer to assist bolster their frontcourt. The group has reportedly traded for Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets to go together with a second-round decide. In return, the Suns will ship Josh Okogie and three second spherical picks to the Charlotte Hornets.

Phoenix’s frontcourt has been a degree of concern all season. Now, they may have some extra reinforcements who may even present further depth. With Jusuf Nurkic falling out of favor with head coach, Mike Budenholzer, one has to marvel what this implies for the Bosnian heart’s future with the Suns. Given Richards’ ceiling and youth, the Phoenix Suns must be enthusiastic about their new-look frontcourt going ahead. 

Phoenix Suns Commerce Josh Okogie, Three Second Spherical Picks for Nick Richards 

Nick Richards’ Influence 

One can see why the Suns had been keen to commerce for Nick Richards. He’s a younger participant with a ton of upside. In 21 video games this yr, Richards has tallied 8.9 factors, 7.5 complete rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per recreation. His rim-protection will likely be extraordinarily welcomed by the Suns who’ve been in determined want of inside protection this season.

Richards can also be tallying a career-best defensive score of 110 thus far this marketing campaign. On prime of this, he’s additionally averaging a block proportion of 5.9 %, a defensive field plus/minus score of +0.2, and a defensive win-share complete of +0.6. Whereas these numbers might not appear important, keep in mind he was enjoying with the Hornets are a group clearly within the midst of a rebuilding section. Now that Richards is with a group with professional playoff aspirations, his abilities and potential will likely be put to full use going ahead. 

Phoenix’s Season

The Suns will miss Josh Okogie’s perimeter protection. Nevertheless, the necessity for a defensive presence within the paint outweighed the posh of getting an incredible perimeter defensive anchor for the Phoenix Suns. As of January 15th, 2025, the Suns sit on the 11th seed within the Western Convention and are on the skin trying in in relation to the Play-In Event image.

Given the expertise on paper, it’s secure to say this squad has underachieved so far of the season. A change was definitely wanted. It’s troublesome to gauge whether or not this modification will likely be sufficient for the Suns this season. Nevertheless, it can not damage given the shortage of rim-protection we have now seen from the Phoenix Suns this yr. As for Richards, he now has the chance to play significant basketball for the primary time shortly.