Some of the latest NBA trade rumors suggest that the Phoenix Suns are targeting one of the centers on the wishlist of the LA Lakers. Jusuf Nurkic has failed to live up to the Suns’ expectations this season, prompting them to look for someone else to help on the frontcourt. Nurkic has two years left in his $32.7 million contract, and the Phoenix Suns are also looking to offload what remains of it.
Phoenix is reportedly interested in acquiring Nick Richards, who signed a three-year $15 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets last year and is earning $5 million this season. Per NBA reporter Evan Sidery, The Phoenix Suns are looking to trade Nurkic for Richards.
However, Phoenix Suns insider John Gambadoro suggests that the Hornets might not accept Jurkic in exchange for their center, but the two teams are talking.
“Suns like Richards, he’s athletic with a good contract. Not sure Charlotte would take back Nurkic, but I do believe the two sides are working on this—There is a way to make it happen but it’s not a sure thing,” Gambadoro said.
Suns like Richards he’s athletic with a good contract. Not sure Charlotte would take back Nurkic, but I do believe the two sides are working on this – There is a way to make it happen but it’s not a sure thing. https://t.co/Z2saRSY7hI
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) January 12, 2025
As the Phoenix Suns are a second apron team, they cannot take back more salary. However, they could trade a contract that matches or exceeds Richards’ salary with the Hornets. Sidery suggests that the Suns could instead include Josh Okogie’s expiring $8.2 million contract.
Phoenix Suns aggressively gunning for Nick Richards
Nick Richards’ stock continues to rise during this trade cycle, and many teams are looking to add him up to their roster as the Feb. 6 trade deadline approaches. NBA reporter Evan Sidert mentions the Phoenix Suns, the LA Lakers, the New York Knicks, the Sacramento Kings, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Denver Nuggets as the teams in pursuit of the center.
The Bucks, Kings, Knicks, Lakers, Nuggets, and Suns are among the teams recently expressing trade interest in Nick Richards.
Richards is averaging 9.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.
The Hornets are open to moving some of their veterans for future draft capital. pic.twitter.com/DxwlurR8FL
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 9, 2025
The Phoenix Suns are currently 18-19 on the season and are having trouble improving their roster. They are seemingly desperate to get Richards, especially with Jusuf Nurkic and Mason Plumlee not performing as expected of them.
Compared to Nurkic and Plumlee, Richard is a more versatile player who is averaging 9.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks, shooting 56.4% from the field. His defensive prowess will help Phoenix be more consistent on the defensive end, and he has more financial flexibility.
However, with many teams seemingly targeting Richards, the Phoenix Suns must come up with a more enticing offer for the Hornets to cave in and take the deal.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
