Phoenix Suns acquire Nick Richards via trade

According to media reports, the Charlotte Hornets will make a trade with the Phoenix Suns in exchange for center Nick Richards and forward Josh Okogie, including a second-round draft pick.

The Charlotte Hornets sent a second-round pick and Richards to the Phoenix Suns, while the Phoenix Suns sent three second-round picks and Okogie to the Charlotte Hornets.

Richards has started nine times for the Charlotte Hornets this season, averaging 11.3 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game. Richards was selected by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2020 NBA Draft and has played for the team for four years.

Okogie has played 25 games for the Phoenix Suns this season, with only one start. Okogie currently averages 6.0 points and 2.9 assists per game this season.

As the Phoenix Suns ranked last in the NBA in points scored from their starting centers this season, the team was in desperate need of a center who could provide reinforcement. Richards was exactly what the Phoenix Suns needed.

Richards is expected to compete for the starting center spot with the Phoenix Suns, who have recently started with Mason Plumlee and rookie Oso Ighodaro. Veteran center Jusuf Nurkic was originally out with the flu, but has now been moved to the bench and completely removed from the Phoenix Suns' rotation.

Since January 2024, the Charlotte Hornets have accumulated a large number of draft picks, acquiring a total of two first-round picks and eight second-round picks through trades. This can help the team make trades and successfully acquire the players they want.