Teh Charlotte Hornets and Phoenix Suns have finalized a trade that sends center Nick Richards and a second-round draft pick to Phoenix in exchange for forward Josh Okogie and three second-round picks, according to sources. The deal, reported by Shams Charania, Senior NBA insider at ESPN, marks a significant move for both teams as they address key roster needs.
The Hornets are sending a 2025 Denver Nuggets second-round pick to the Suns, who in return are trading a 2026 Nuggets second-rounder and two 2031 second-round picks (Denver and Phoenix) to Charlotte. This transaction bolsters the Hornets’ draft capital, as they have now acquired two first-round picks and eight second-round picks in trades since January 2024.
For the Suns, the addition of Richards addresses a glaring weakness at the center position. Phoenix ranks last in the NBA in points from their starting center, and Richards, a 7-footer, brings much-needed size and productivity.This season,he has averaged 8.9 points and 7.5 rebounds in 21 games, with even more extraordinary numbers in his nine starts: 11.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. Over the last four seasons,Richards has shot 65% from the field,ranking fifth-best in the NBA among players with at least 800 attempts.
Richards is expected to compete for the starting center role in Phoenix,where the team has recently relied on mason Plumlee and rookie Oso Ighodaro. veteran center Jusuf Nurkic,sidelined due to the flu,was moved to the bench earlier this month and has since been removed from the rotation entirely. Richards’ arrival could provide a spark for the Suns, who are looking to solidify their frontcourt as they push for playoff contention.
On the other side of the trade, the Hornets gain a defensive-minded wing in Okogie, who, like Richards, has a team-friendly non-guaranteed contract for the 2025-26 season. Okogie’s versatility and defensive prowess could provide Charlotte with valuable depth on the perimeter as they continue their rebuild.
Interestingly, Richards played his final two games with the Hornets against the Suns. On January 7, he posted 15 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks in a 115-104 victory over Phoenix. In his last game with Charlotte, he recorded four points, five rebounds, and two steals in a loss on Sunday.
This trade underscores the Hornets’ commitment to accumulating assets for future growth while the Suns aim to address immediate needs in their quest for a championship. Both teams will be closely watched as they integrate their new pieces into their respective rotations.
Key Trade Details
| Team | Receives | Sends |
|——————–|—————————————————————————–|—————————————————————————|
| Charlotte Hornets | Josh Okogie, 2026 DEN 2nd-round pick, 2031 DEN 2nd-round pick, 2031 PHX 2nd-round pick | Nick Richards, 2025 DEN 2nd-round pick |
| phoenix Suns | Nick Richards, 2025 DEN 2nd-round pick | Josh Okogie, 2026 DEN 2nd-round pick, 2031 DEN 2nd-round pick, 2031 PHX 2nd-round pick |
This trade could have ripple effects across the league as both teams look to position themselves for success in the coming seasons. Stay tuned for more updates as the NBA trade season heats up.
