In a deal with the Charlotte Hornets reported Wednesday, the Phoenix Suns acquired center Nick Richards and a second round pick in exchange for reserve forward Josh Okogie and three second rounders. Assuming Richards slides into the starting role, the trade provides a modest but material improvement to the Suns’ lineup. With Jusuf Nurkic omitted from the transaction, it also brings in the roster’s fourth center and more pressure than ever to send Nurkic packing.
Sports Illustrated reports that Phoenix tried to involve him in the Richards deal, but his paycheck, $18 million this season and $19 million in 2025-26, was a non-starter for the Hornets. Deep into a rebuild, they have no interest in burdening their books for future seasons.
Charlotte didn’t want him. Will anyone?
Phoenix Suns in Murky Spot with Jusuf Nurkic
Nurkic hasn’t exactly been earning his keep, averaging his lowest points (8.6 PPG) and FG% (45.4) in eight years. Phoenix knew it wasn’t getting a stout defender when they traded for Nurkic in the 2023 offseason, but agility and rim protection have proved bigger problems than anticipated.
Combined with the drop in his offensive production, it has made him unplayable–at least in the eyes of Suns coach Mike Budenholzer, who benched the 11-year vet and hasn’t given him minutes since January 7. The Nurkic situation has reached a crisis point in Phoenix. If they don’t find a trade partner, they may be forced to simply eat his salary and cut him.
According to the SI article, in addition to Richards, the Suns wanted Charlotte to include 6’6” wing Cody Martin along with Richards in exchange for Nurkic and picks. Certainly Richards remains the centerpiece of the deal; losing out on Martin (8.5 PPG, 4.7 RPG) doesn’t hurt all that much.
The real kicker is getting stuck with Nurkic. The way the Suns have handled the situation, they probably couldn’t go back to him if they wanted to. After being ostracized from the rotation, would he even agree to enter a game, or would the flu–”flu”?–causing him to miss the past few games drag on a little longer?
Suns Got Nick Richards, Can They Get Rid of Jusuf?
In flipping Okogie for Richards, Phoenix does pick up a $3.2 million trade exception, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks. Perhaps they can use it to snag some minor addition. More pressing, who can they engage in Nurkic discussions?
His $18 M salary in 2024-25 provides flexibility in terms of the money they can bring back–as a second-apron team, they can’t take in more than they send out–but the issue is persuading other clubs that they will benefit from any deal involving him.
The talent isn’t there, and he doesn’t have an expiring contract to relieve the recipient of any financial obligations beyond this season.
For example, the Suns could propose a trade to Toronto swapping Nurkic and picks for power forward Chris Boucher (10.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG) and guard Davion Mitchell (6.0 PPG, 4.5 APG).The deal checks out as far as money goes, but would the Raptors be interested in trading two expiring salaries for an albatross contract and second rounders?
Phoenix would get a stretch big in Boucher to complement the rim-roller Richards, and they would get Nurkic off the books, but would they want to sacrifice precious draft capital while doing little to improve the roster?
Click. Click. Both teams just hung up.
It goes to show what a pickle the Suns are in with Nurkic, and why cutting him to at least open up a roster spot might be their only move.
Getting Richards is a start, with further negotiations ongoing, but the sun could set on the trade deadline leaving Phoenix fans parched for a bigger splash.
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