The Phoenix Suns are fortifying their biggest position of need.
Phoenix announced to social media on Wednesday that they have acquired center Nick Richards in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets. Shams Charania of ESPN reports that a future second-round pick is going to the Suns along with Richards. Meanwhile, forward Josh Okogie and three separate second-round picks are headed back to the Hornets in the deal.
Richards, 27, is a true seven-footer under contract for $5 million this season and another $5 million next season. In just 21.0 minutes for Charlotte this year, Richards was posting 8.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and a career-high 1.2 blocks per game.
The sub-.500 Suns badly need the help in the middle with Jusuf Nurkic having regressed on both ends and an aging Mason Plumlee (who turns 35 years old in March) serving as their next man up at center. Richards is long and athletic, and it also probably helps that Phoenix beat out some major rivals to acquire him here.
