NBA News: Nick Richards Reportedly Traded to Suns; Hornets Get Josh Okogie, Picks

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

Richards, who is in his fifth season, is putting up 8.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. Okogie, a seventh-year veteran, is averaging six points off the bench for Phoenix.

The Hornets will receive the Denver Nuggets' 2026 and 2031 second-round picks and the Suns' 2031 second-rounder while the Suns will get the Nuggets' 2025 second-round pick.

According to Charania, the Suns rank last in the NBA in points from their starting center. Jusuf Nurkić, who is currently day-to-day due to illness, has started 23 games at center and is averaging 8.6 points per game. Before being sidelined, Nurkić pivoted to a bench role briefly before dropping out of the rotation entirely. Mason Plumlee has started 16 games at center, putting up four points per game.

Richards is expected to compete with Plumlee and rookie Oso Ighodaro for the starting role, per Charania.

Richards, who is averaging 11.3 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game in his nine starts this year, should help with scoring around the rim. The 7-footer has also shot 65 percent from the field over the past four years, which is the fifth-best mark in the league during that span, as Charania relayed via ESPN research.

The Suns began the year strong but have struggled in recent weeks. They currently sit in 11th place in the Western Conference at 19-20 with a pivotal road trip ahead of them.

The Hornets are one of the worst teams in the league at 8-28 despite an outstanding year from LaMelo Ball, who is putting up 29.7 points and 7.4 assists per game. While Okogie won't suddenly make Charlotte a playoff contender, he joins the team on an affordable two-year, $16 million contract.

For the Hornets, the trade was likely more about adding more draft picks as they continue their rebuild. Charania noted that Charlotte has acquired two first-round picks and eight second-round picks in trades since January 2024. That kind of draft capital is invaluable for a team looking to compete in the future.