Change of Plans: The Charlotte Hornets abruptly called off the trade involving center Nick Richards to the Phoenix Suns due to…

Nick Richards Reportedly Dealt to Suns; Hornets Acquire Josh Okogie and Draft Picks

The Charlotte Hornets have traded center Nick Richards and a second-round pick to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Josh Okogie and three second-round picks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Richards, now in his fifth season, is averaging 8.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. Meanwhile, Okogie, a seventh-year veteran, has been contributing six points per game off the bench for Phoenix.

As part of the deal, the Hornets will receive the Denver Nuggets’ 2026 and 2031 second-round picks, along with the Suns’ 2031 second-round pick. The Suns, in turn, acquire the Nuggets’ 2025 second-round pick.

Phoenix’s struggles at the center position, where they rank last in the NBA in points scored, appear to have motivated the move. Jusuf Nurkić, their starting center, has averaged just 8.6 points per game and has recently been sidelined due to illness. Mason Plumlee, who has started 16 games, is averaging four points per game. Richards, who has averaged 11.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in nine starts this season, is expected to compete with Plumlee and rookie Oso Ighodaro for the starting role. Richards also brings efficiency around the rim, shooting 65% from the field over the past four seasons, the fifth-best mark in the league during that span.

The Suns, currently sitting at 11th in the Western Conference with a 19-20 record, are looking to regain momentum after a strong start to the season. The addition of Richards aims to bolster their frontcourt depth.

For the Hornets, who are struggling with an 8-28 record despite LaMelo Ball’s stellar season (29.7 points and 7.4 assists per game), this trade is likely part of their ongoing rebuild. Okogie, signed to a two-year, $16 million contract, won’t drastically alter their fortunes but provides a solid rotational piece. The move also adds valuable draft capital, with Charlotte acquiring two first-round picks and eight second-round picks since January 2024, positioning them for future competitiveness.