The NBA trade deadline may still be weeks away, but the Phoenix Suns are already in the thick of early trade chatter - and one name that’s surfaced is backup center Nick Richards. The Suns have reportedly been in talks with the Toronto Raptors about a potential deal that would send Richards north in exchange for Ochai Agbaji and draft compensation.
Right now, though, those talks have cooled. The sticking point?
Draft picks. Phoenix has been holding out for two second-rounders, while Toronto seems willing to part with just one.
That gap - small as it may seem - has been enough to put the brakes on a deal that, on paper, could work for both sides.
Let’s break this down.
Why the Raptors Are Interested
For the Raptors, this isn’t just about basketball - it’s about the books. Toronto is looking to get under the luxury tax threshold, and moving Agbaji for an expiring deal like Richards’ is a clean way to do it. Richards is in the final year of his contract and will hit unrestricted free agency this summer, meaning the Raptors wouldn’t be tied to him long-term.
So from their perspective, giving up a second-round pick (or two) to shed salary and avoid a tax bill makes financial sense. But with the Suns asking for a pair of second-rounders, the Raptors have been reluctant to meet that price - at least for now.
Why the Suns Are Holding Firm
Phoenix isn’t in a rush here, and they don’t need to be. Richards may not be a game-changer, but he’s a serviceable big man in a league where quality backup centers are in short supply.
Just look around - players like Luke Kornet in San Antonio or Jonas Valanciunas in Denver have carved out real value in reserve roles. Richards may not be in that tier, but he’s not far off, and there are teams out there who could use a player like him.
The Suns know this, and they’re playing the long game. They’ve had success with second-round picks in recent years - Oso Ighodaro and Rasheer Fleming are two recent examples - and they’re looking to add more assets to that pipeline. If they stay patient, it’s likely they’ll get the two second-rounders they’re asking for, whether it’s from Toronto or another team looking to shore up its frontcourt depth.
Other Teams Could Enter the Mix
Don’t be surprised if other teams come calling. The New York Knicks and Boston Celtics are two franchises that could use an extra big off the bench, and both have the kind of draft capital that could make a deal work. There’s already been speculation about a potential Knicks trade that would satisfy all parties involved.
And here’s the thing - as the deadline gets closer, pressure mounts. Contenders looking to solidify rotations, or teams trying to clean up their books, get a little more aggressive.
That plays right into Phoenix’s hands. Richards may not be a headline name, but in a market short on backup bigs, he’s a valuable chess piece.
What’s Next?
For Suns GM Brian Gregory, the move here is simple: wait. Field offers.
Let the market come to him. Whether it’s Toronto sweetening the deal to get under the tax line, or another team jumping in with a better offer, Phoenix is in a strong position.
At the end of the day, Richards is a player who can help a rotation - and that kind of value doesn’t go unnoticed. Whether it’s about saving money or adding depth, someone is going to meet the Suns’ asking price. It’s just a matter of when.