Suns' Nick Richards: Moving to Phoenix

The Suns acquired Richards and a 2025 second-round draft pick from the Hornets on Wednesday in exchange for forward Josh Okogie, a 2026 second-round draft picks and two 2031 second-round draft picks, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

With Mark Williams healthy and playing well, Richards had been relegated to a backup role over the last month for Charlotte, but he'll now likely get an opportunity to start in Phoenix. Jusuf Nurkic (illness) has fallen out of favor, resulting in Mason Plumlee starting nine straight games. Richards had played at least 24 minutes 10 times this season, averaging 12.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.9 blocks in 28.1 minutes per game while shooting 62.9 percent from the field and 71.4 percent from the free-throw line during those contests. Richards' first chance to make his Suns debut will come in Washington on Thursday.