7 Hornets players who could end up on a new team by the trade deadline
By Tyler Watts
2. Nick Richards
Richards is no stranger to trade rumors. There was interest before the trade deadline and again this offseason. The seven-footer is clearly behind Mark Williams in the Hornets’ pecking order, but he has shown plenty of potential and is on a fantastic contract.
The 26-year-old is set to make just $5 million this season and has a fully non-guaranteed $5 million for the 2025-26 campaign. He is the 41st highest-paid center on average value right now after a strong fourth season.
Richards averaged 9.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 26.3 minutes per game. He made 51 starts with injuries limiting Williams to just 19 contests. Richards is not spacing the floor, but he finishes well inside and has rated as an above-league-average option by win shares per 48 minutes for three straight years.
The Hornets have a quality big man on an affordable contract. There is zero reason to trade him unless an offer is too good to pass up. They got that for P.J. Washington at this year’s deadline and may again before Feb. 6. If Mark Williams is their future at the five, trading Richards for a first-round pick is a wise and likely move as the deadline approaches.