Inside Suns trade pursuit of Nick Richards amid Jusuf Nurkic drama

In recent weeks, it has become abundantly clear that Nick Richards was the primary trade target of the Phoenix Suns before 2025 NBA trade deadline. After exploring the possibilities of adding Richards from Charlotte Hornets last season, Pthe Suns have made a deal for a player they have long admired at the cost of Josh Okogie and three second-round picks.

In the process of acquiring Richards, Phoenix also acquired Denver’s 2025 second-round pick from the Hornets, another trade tool this team can use to maximize its immediate future before the trade deadline.

Suns owner Matt Ishby hasn’t given up on any moves that would put his team in the best possible position to contend for a championship. Whether it’s spending money or using all of their draft capital, Ishbia’s sole goal is to hoist the Larry O’Brien championship trophy into the air as the last team standing in June.

As the calendar flipped to 2025, Ishby, general manager James Jones and the Suns’ front office highlighted Richards as an affordable center on the trade market who could bring immediate value because of his interior toughness and rebounding ability, league sources told ClutchPoints . The team views him as a starting-caliber center, and he will immediately provide a spark for Phoenix on both sides of the basketball, especially in pick-and-roll sets on offense.

Although the Hornets fielded offers from other teams for Richards in the weeks leading up to the trade, the Suns ultimately had to redouble their efforts to land the 27-year-old big man after a 15-point, 12-rebound performance against them on Jan. 7 in a game the Suns lost 115-104 in Charlotte. Of course, this search for Richards came amid drama Jusuf Nurkić, due to suspension and subsequently benched by head coach Mike Budenholzer.

Originally, the Suns inquired about Richards’ availability with the idea of ​​shedding Nurkic’s $18.1 million salary. Okogie was not the original center in Phoenix’s bid for Richards, as the Suns hoped Nurkic, along with second-round draft assets, would be enough to acquire both Richards and swingman Cody Martin, sources said. At no point did the Hornets view Nurkic as an asset, nor did they have any interest in taking on the remaining year of his contract after the 2024-25 season.

The idea of ​​packing Nurkic and draft picks for Richards and Martin was also reported by HoopsHipe’s NBA insider Michael Scotto.

Talks about sending Nurkic to Charlotte was not an acceptable scenario for the Suns, and the Hornets did not extend those talks with Phoenix. At no point did the Hornets make a counter offer that included Nurkic, because a third team would have to be involved.

Then the Suns changed their approach, especially since the inclusion of another team would result in additional assets needing to be traded. At no point was there any discussion of additional draft compensation going to Charlotte for them to acquire Nurkic, sources said.

Okogie, known for his defense on the wing, recently signed a two-year, $16 million deal this past offseason with the Suns. He is under a team contract and the Hornets could release him before the deadline for further compensation. This scenario was much more appealing to the Hornets, especially since they received two future 2031 second-round picks from the Suns.

Martin is an interesting player on the trade block in Charlotte. Although the Suns couldn’t land him and Richards for Nurkic, league sources say Martin is “readily available” in trade discussions leading up to the deadline. The 29-year-old Martin had one year remaining on his contract this past season, giving the Hornets an advantage in talks with any team vying for his services.

Richards is now in Phoenix, and he will very likely be their new starting center once he gets used to their system. While the Suns are still the No. 2 team and can’t aggregate salary in trade talks until the deadline, Nurkic’s immediate future will be the next domino to fall.

Suns trade plan with Jusuf Nurkic

By trading Okogie, who is making $8.25 million this season, for Richards, who is making $5 million, the Suns did a lot for themselves. Despite the existing pay gap of only $3.25 million, Suns reduced luxury tax penalty for $20 million, according to NBA capologist Josi Gozlan.

The Phoenix also created a $3.2 million exception for traded players who are eligible to use right now before the trade deadline despite being a second-round team. Aside from the financial aspect of this trade, the Suns can now move Nurkic to bolster their second unit around Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.

Of course, Beal has been a hot topic of conversation in recent weeks because of Suns clear interest in Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler. At this point, there is no indication that a Butler-Phoenix trade is imminent, a The Heat are not interested in Beal if he would waive his no-trade clausesources said.

The idea of ​​trading Nurkic is now appealing to the Suns, and they are willing to fully assess the trade market for the talent they can get immediately using the veteran center’s $18.1 million contract. After acquiring Richards, Phoenix still has a 2025 second-round pick and its own 2031 first-round pick that can be included in potential trade packages. It is unknown if the Suns will seek further frontcourt help after trading for Richards.

Various impact talents who are making less than Nurkic this season exist as possible names to watch in trade talks over the next few weeks leading up to the deadline. Former Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz is known to be available for a draft pick, and the Milwaukee Bucks may be looking to trade Pat Connaughton to get under another apron. Connaughton had his best seasons in the league under Budenholzer in Milwaukee.

Robert Williams III, Kelly Olynyk, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Harrison Barnes are other names that have been linked to the Suns since the offseason. It is currently unknown if any of these four veterans are still being targeted by Phoenix.

By trading for Richards, the Suns began their process of going all-in for a championship before the trade deadline. The organization’s top priority is to win and turn around its first-half woes, which is why it still seems likely that the Suns will move Nurkic and additional draft compensation for more assets they can get.