With Jusuf Nurkic falling out of the rotation, one of Phoenix’s biggest needs was upgrading at the center position.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Charlotte Hornets have traded Nick Richards to the Phoenix Suns for Josh Okogie. The Suns will send three second-rounders, while the Hornets will send over one second-rounder.
Initially, both sides talked about a Richards, Nurkic deal. However, Charlotte wasn’t interested in Nurkic or his big contract. They ultimately agreed upon Okogie and Richards being the main pieces.
Per the reporting of Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro, the Suns expect Richards to start for them once he gets “acclimated to the team.”
Phoenix now has a center room of Richards, Mason Plumlee, Oso Ighodoro, and Nurkic.
By the Suns completing this trade, they save $20 million on their tax bill.