The writing was on the wall that Nick Richards wouldn't be around for much longer after the Phoenix Suns traded for Mark Williams and drafted Khaman Maluach last Wednesday. On Monday, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported that Richards has drawn trade interest from "several teams," including the Knicks, Pacers, and Lakers.
Richards arrived in Phoenix in January after a trade that sent Josh Okogie and three second-round picks to Charlotte. He averaged 9.5 points and 8.6 rebounds per game with the Suns, shooting 60.5% from the field in 36 games (34 starts). The 27-year-old has spent the majority of his career as a backup center. Phoenix entered the offseason needing a starting-level center, and got two in Williams and Maluach.
Richards' $5 million salary for 2025-26 became guaranteed on Sunday, giving the Suns the flexibility to seek a trade. Out of the teams interested in trading for the center, there is one that stands out more than the others. Los Angeles needs a starting center, and although Richards has primarily spent his career as a backup, the Lakers should do what it takes to acquire his services.
Suns could trade center Nick Richards to Lakers
There are a few different routes LA could take this summer, such as utilizing the full mid-level exception ($14.1 million) that will be available to the team if Dorian Finney-Smith signs elsewhere, or to sign a center (or split it up). Clint Capela will be a free agent and is on the Lakers' radar. He could be their starting center next season.
Having Richards would be good insurance for an LA squad that could be entering its last season with LeBron James, who opted into his player option on Sunday. He's monitoring the moves the Lakers are making/will make this offseason before deciding his future with the organization. The more depth Los Angeles has, the better.
Richards wouldn't cost much for the Lakers to acquire, either. LA is limited in what it can give up in a trade, giving the team more reason to go after Richards. It feels like it'll be the Lakers that get Richards, but if Rob Pelinka is caught sleeping, perhaps it'll be the Knicks to swoop in and get him.