Before the 2025 deadline, the Charlotte Hornets traded Nick Richards and a second-round pick to the Suns, where he closed the season as Phoenix's starting center. Richards, who is on an expiring $5 million contract, is a candidate to be traded again before the upcoming Feb. 5 deadline.
On Thursday, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that the Suns and Raptors discussed a trade involving Richards. Toronto needs more size and rebounding behind starting center Jakob Poeltl, who has struggled while dealing with a nagging back injury. Richards could certainly help fill that void.
His playing time has dropped significantly this season compared to last, as he's averaging 9.4 minutes across 24 games (two starts). Richards is averaging only 3.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.
Like in Charlotte, he's playing behind Mark Williams, whom Phoenix traded for over the summer. Richards isn't the team's primary backup, as that spot belongs to Oso Ighodaro. There is also Khaman Maluach, whom the Suns drafted with the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft they received in the Kevin Durant trade. He's spent most of his time in the G League, but that could change, making Richards even more expendable.
Suns have engaged in trade discussions involving Nick Richards
Richards has played 18 total minutes this month (three games). There are teams out there, like the Raptors, that could use Richard's services. The deadline is still a month and a half away, but that doesn't mean a trade won't happen before then, as the Suns are already engaged in conversations about Richards.
Besides Toronto, another interesting landing spot for Richards would be Boston. The Celtics lost their top two big men over the summer, sending Kristaps Porziņģis to the Hawks in a trade and watching Al Horford sign a two-year deal with the Warriors. Even with Jayson Tatum out, the team currently sits fourth in the East. They could take advantage of a buy-low opportunity with Richards.
There should be several teams interested in trading for Richards, so it will be interesting to see where he ends up. Perhaps he will return to the East to help a team take advantage of a conference without Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton (it does seem like there is a chance Tatum could return this season).
Regardless of where Richards ends up, hopefully, it will be to a team where he can carve out a consistent role.