The Suns and Raptors recently floated the idea of a minor trade, but as of now, it doesn’t look like anything’s gaining real traction.
According to reports, Phoenix and Toronto had early conversations about a potential deal that would’ve sent big man Nick Richards to the Raptors. In return, the Suns would have received wing Ochai Agbaji and a second-round pick. But the talks didn’t get far - and for good reason.
From the Suns’ perspective, there’s no urgency to make a move. They’re not overly enthusiastic about Agbaji as a fit in their current rotation, and the second-round pick Toronto was offering didn’t exactly move the needle. That lukewarm return - especially for a player like Richards, who brings size, rim protection, and energy off the bench - just isn’t enough to justify pulling the trigger.
Let’s break it down a bit. Agbaji is a young wing with athletic tools and some upside, but he hasn’t quite carved out a consistent role yet.
For a Phoenix team looking to maximize its window with a veteran-heavy core, the fit is questionable. They need players who can contribute now, not projects who may or may not develop into rotation pieces.
Then there’s the draft pick. While we don’t know exactly which second-rounder was on the table, neither of the Raptors’ 2026 picks is particularly enticing at the moment.
If the season ended today, Toronto’s own second-rounder would fall around No. 52, and the Lakers’ pick - which the Raptors also control - would land even later, in the mid-to-high 50s. In NBA draft terms, that’s the range where you’re hoping to find a hidden gem, not expecting a difference-maker.
So where does that leave things? This feels more like a “just checking in” type of conversation than anything serious.
Phoenix appears content to hold onto Richards unless a more compelling offer comes along - and based on this early framework, that’s the right call. They’re not in the business of giving away a reliable big for a flyer and a low-value pick.
For now, chalk this up as exploratory. Both teams did their due diligence, but unless the Raptors come back with something more substantial, don’t expect this one to go anywhere.