When an NBA Trade happens, sometimes it can involve a name that has been heavily rumored in trade talks. One of those guys is Nick Richards, whose name was constantly mentioned in trade rumors. He has officially been moved as the Charlotte Hornets traded him to the Phoenix Suns. The details of that trade are down below.
Charlotte Hornets Acquire: Josh Okogie, 2026 2nd Round Pick (Via Denver Nuggets), 2031 2nd Round Pick (Via Denver Nuggets), 2031 2nd Round Pick (Via Phoenix Suns)
Phoenix Suns Acquire: Nick Richards and 2025 2nd Round Pick (Via Denver Nuggets)
Thats It? That’s all you could get for Nick Richards? The three draft picks Charlotte acquired aren’t even good, as second-round picks are lottery tickets in the NBA. The only positive part of this trade is getting Josh Okogie, as the Hornets needed a depth piece at shooting guard.
With how disappointing Josh Green has been, I can potentially see Okogie getting starting minutes, but Okogie has been very mediocre throughout his career, and he’s a gamble. There are two reasons why Charlotte made this move. The first is to get something for a player who is not in their long-term plans. The second is in the emergence of Moussa Diabate. Charlotte may have something in him and needs to get more minutes, and trading Nick Richards does this.
I’m not surprised one bit that the Suns decided to acquire Richards, as they desperately needed a center, and they were constantly linked to him. Also, one of the big issues with the Suns during the playoffs last year was having no bench/depth players.
This trade helps ensure that, but they have to hope Richards stays healthy, as his durability has been a problem the past few years. This deal helps the Suns financially, saving around $20 million in luxury taxes, and Richards is on a cheap deal.
Charlotte Hornets – D
Phoenix Suns – B+
I love this deal for the Phoenix Suns. It brings a boost on the court and helps them economically, they didn’t have to give up too much value to get Richards and gain a stringer depth piece on the bench. I can’t give it an A due to the durability issues with Richards and the Suns’ low draft capital now, but a B+ makes the most sense.
As a Hornets fan, I am annoyed that he was traded for low value or not included in a possible trade offer to acquire Jimmy Butler, who’s clearly on the outs in Miami. However, I understand why they traded him. It was clear Richards was on the way out with Charlotte, and it was better to get something for him than nothing, but what they got was close to nothing. Charlotte better hope Mark Williams can stay healthy and Diabate can continue improving. Hopefully, this deal will work for both teams, including Nick Richards.
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