Mar 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (4) is introduced before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Phoenix Suns Trade For 5-Year NBA Player

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jan 15, 2025 5:18 PM ET

Nick Richards is currently in his fifth season in the NBA.

The former Kentucky star is averaging 8.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.2 blocks per contest while shooting 56.1% from the field in 21 games.

On Wednesday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Richards has been traded (via the Charlotte Hornets) to the Phoenix Suns.

Via Charania : "The Charlotte Hornets are trading 7-foot center Nick Richards and one second-round pick to the Phoenix Suns for Josh Okogie and three second-round picks, sources tell ESPN."

The Charlotte Hornets are trading 7-foot center Nick Richards and one second-round pick to the Phoenix Suns for Josh Okogie and three second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/RwPGJH5lzo
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 15, 2025

ESPN's Bobby Marks also reported more details.

Via Marks: "Here are the second round pick details sources tell @ShamsCharania and myself.

To Charlotte

2026 Denver 2nd
2031 Denver 2nd
2031 Phoenix 2nd

To Phoenix

2025 Denver 2nd"

Here are the second round pick details sources tell @ShamsCharania and myself.

To Charlotte

2026 Denver 2nd
2031 Denver 2nd
2031 Phoenix 2nd

To Phoenix

2025 Denver 2nd
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) January 15, 2025

Richards was the 42nd pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

He had spent his entire career with Charlotte (before the trade).

Breaking: The Charlotte Hornets are trading center Nick Richards and one second-round pick to the Phoenix Suns for Josh Okogie and three second-round picks, sources tell @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/8Owb4v2yLX
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 15, 2025

Menawhile, Okogie had been in his third year playing for the Suns.

The former Georgia Tech star is averaging 6.0 points and 2.9 rebounds per contest while shooting 48.7% from the field and 38.1% from the three-point range in 25 games.

He has also spent time with the Minnesota Timberwovles over seven NBA seasons.

FULL TRADE DETAILS:

Phoenix receives:
Nick Richards
2nd-round pick

Hornets receive:
Josh Okogie
Three 2nd-round picks pic.twitter.com/rPZrqwF0kY
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 15, 2025

The Suns are currently the 11th seed in the Western Conference with a 19-20 record in 39 games.

They have gone 4-6 over their last ten.

ESPN story on the Phoenix Suns acquiring 7-footer Nick Richards in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets: https://t.co/tQp0xwaZCt
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 15, 2025

On the other side, the Hornets are the 14th seed in the Eastern Conference with an 8-28 record in 36 games.

They have gone 1-9 over their last ten.

Richards should be a good addition to a Suns team that is trying to compete for a title.

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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