The Atlanta Hawks made a bold statement to open trade season, shipping out Trae Young to the Washington Wizards and signaling a new era built around Jalen Johnson and a talented young core. But even after that blockbuster, there’s a move sitting on the table that just makes too much sense to ignore - a potential trade for Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards.
At 28 years old and in the final year of a $5 million deal, Richards checks a lot of boxes for a Hawks team looking to bolster its frontcourt depth. And with Phoenix reportedly motivated to shed salary to dodge the luxury tax, the stars might be aligning for a low-risk, high-reward deal.
Why Nick Richards Makes Sense for Atlanta
Let’s start with the basics: the Hawks have nearly $7 million in room under the luxury tax. According to league reports, they’re open to using that space to take on contracts - particularly if it comes with the sweetener of second-round draft picks. That gives them the flexibility to absorb Richards’ $5 million salary without sending matching money back, simplifying the deal from a cap perspective.
But this isn’t just about financial flexibility. Richards brings real, tangible value on the court - especially for a Hawks team that’s struggled to protect the paint. Atlanta ranks among the league’s worst in points allowed in the paint, and Richards could be a key piece in tightening up that interior defense.
He’s not flashy, but he’s effective. Richards has carved out a reputation as one of the more under-the-radar rim protectors in the league.
He’s a strong post defender, holds his own as a help-side shot blocker, and provides solid coverage in pick-and-roll situations. For a team that needs a reliable backup behind Onyeka Okongwu - and insurance for the availability concerns surrounding Kristaps Porziņģis - Richards fits the bill.
The Numbers Back It Up
Richards' per-36-minute averages paint the picture of a player who produces when given the opportunity: 14.4 points, 11.8 rebounds (including 4.0 on the offensive glass), 1.2 assists, and 1.7 blocks. He’s efficient around the rim, hitting 63.1% of his field goals over six seasons, and he’s a respectable 73.5% shooter from the free-throw line - a nice bonus for a big man.
But the real story is in the advanced metrics. According to Basketball Index, Richards ranks in the 93rd percentile in post defense, 83rd percentile in help defense talent, and 76th percentile in rim protection.
And that’s not just a one-year blip. In 2024-25, he was even better: 92nd percentile in post defense, 89th in help defense, and an elite 98th percentile in rim protection.
He’s also shown quality defending the screener in pick-and-roll coverage - ranking in the 90th percentile in screener rim defense and 59th in screener mobility. That versatility is exactly what Atlanta needs on the back line of its defense.
A Win-Win Scenario
From Phoenix’s perspective, moving Richards clears $5 million off the books and helps them avoid the luxury tax. With a crowded center rotation that includes Oso Ighodaro, Khaman Maluach, and Mark Williams, Richards has become expendable.
For Atlanta, it’s a no-brainer. They get a capable, experienced big who can contribute right away, and they don’t have to give up a core piece to make it happen. Even better, Richards is on an expiring deal, which gives the Hawks flexibility this summer - either to re-sign him if the fit is right or pivot in another direction.
This is the type of move that doesn’t grab headlines like the Trae Young trade did, but it could quietly pay serious dividends. Richards won’t be the face of the franchise - that’s Jalen Johnson’s role now - but he could be a key piece in helping this young Hawks squad take the next step.
If Atlanta is serious about shoring up its defense and building a complete roster around its emerging core, this is a trade that makes too much sense not to pursue.