As the NBA trade deadline inches closer, the Phoenix Suns have a few decisions to make, but one seems all but inevitable: moving backup center Nick Richards. The 28-year-old big man has seen his role shrink dramatically in recent weeks, and with his contract set to expire, the writing’s on the wall.
Richards, once a promising rotation piece, has logged fewer than 10 minutes in each of his last six appearances - when he’s even made it onto the court. Head coach Jordan Ott has clearly shifted gears, and with 19-year-old lottery pick Khaman Maluach showing flashes of dominance in the G League, the Suns have a younger, higher-upside option waiting in the wings.
So, where might Richards land? Let’s take a closer look at three teams that could make sense as trade partners.
Toronto Raptors: A Fit with Frontcourt Needs
The Raptors are quietly putting together a strong season in the East, and they’ve reportedly already kicked the tires on a potential deal for Richards. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Toronto and Phoenix have had exploratory conversations centered around Richards, with Ochai Agbaji and a second-round pick being discussed as possible components.
On paper, the deal makes sense - both Richards and Agbaji are on expiring contracts, and the Raptors could use a defensive-minded big to bolster their bench. But there’s a financial wrinkle: Agbaji is making more than Richards this season, which means the Suns would be taking on salary in the swap. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a team flirting with the luxury tax and trying to avoid repeater penalties.
Agbaji’s shooting struggles this season also complicate things. After knocking down nearly 40% of his threes last year, he’s hit just 3-of-23 from deep this season - a brutal 13% clip. That kind of drop-off makes him a tough sell as a rotation piece unless Phoenix believes it can help him rediscover his shooting stroke.
If the Suns are serious about getting under the tax line, they might need to find another way to shed salary if they go this route - or look elsewhere entirely.
Boston Celtics: Depth Behind the Stars
The Celtics are cruising toward the postseason with one of the league’s most complete rosters, but there’s one area where they could use a little help: frontcourt depth. With Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford both dealing with durability questions and Neemias Queta being thrust into a larger role than expected, Boston could benefit from another big body in the paint.
Enter Richards.
He’s not a game-changer, but he’s a solid, low-maintenance option who can give you reliable minutes off the bench. He protects the rim, plays with energy, and can finish around the basket - especially when paired with playmakers like Derrick White or Jrue Holiday.
Richards wouldn’t need to do much in Boston’s system. Just rebound, defend, and be ready for the occasional lob.
That’s a role he can fill, and the Celtics have a few end-of-bench contracts they could move to make the numbers work. Toss in a second-round pick, and this could be a win-win for both sides.
Los Angeles Lakers: Still Looking for a Backup Big
The Lakers were reportedly close to acquiring Mark Williams before a failed physical nixed the deal. That opened the door for the Suns to swoop in and land the former Hornet, who’s looked sharp in limited action for Phoenix. But the Lakers’ need for a reliable backup center hasn’t gone away - especially behind former Sun Deandre Ayton.
Richards could be a solution.
He brings a similar rim-running, shot-blocking profile and wouldn’t require a major role in LA’s offense. The question is whether the Suns would be willing to send him to a division rival - and what the Lakers could offer in return.
Unlike the Celtics or Raptors, the Lakers don’t have a clean financial path to absorbing Richards’ $5 million salary without sending something back. A second-round pick alone won’t cut it unless the Lakers attach a matching contract, and it’s unclear if they’re willing to part with the right pieces to make that happen.
Still, if the Lakers are serious about shoring up their frontcourt depth - and if Phoenix is open to dealing within the division - this is a name to watch.
Bottom Line
Nick Richards may not be the centerpiece of a blockbuster deal, but he’s the kind of player who can quietly make a difference for a playoff team. He’s experienced, affordable, and fits the mold of a modern backup big - a guy who can defend, rebound, and finish.
For the Suns, moving him makes sense on multiple levels: it clears a path for Khaman Maluach, helps them manage the books, and potentially nets them a future asset. It’s not a matter of if Richards gets dealt - it’s a matter of where.