The Phoenix Suns have made a trade with the Charlotte Hornets, acquiring center Nick Richards along with a second-round pick in the 2025 draft. In exchange, the Suns are sending guard Josh Okogie and a total of three future second-round picks to the Hornets. This move comes as the Suns, currently struggling at 19-20 and sitting in 11th place in the Western Conference, look to strengthen their roster and improve their performance in the paint.
Richards, a 7-foot center, had spent five seasons with the Hornets, averaging 7.0 points and 5.5 rebounds across 74 starts. He was originally drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2020 and later traded to Charlotte. Meanwhile, Okogie, who has played 401 games over seven seasons, averaged 6.0 points and 2.9 rebounds this season with the Suns.
The Hornets, currently at 8-28, are in a rebuilding phase and are excited about the draft picks acquired in this deal. General Manager Jeff Peterson mentioned the flexibility these picks provide for future trades, hinting at possible further moves as the team looks to build for the future.
