The NBA trade deadline is still some time away, but already the Phoenix Suns have been mentioned in trade rumors with the Toronto Raptors.
Talks that have since cooled, but revolved around the Suns sending backup big man Nick Richards to Canada, in exchange for Ochai Agbaji and some kind of draft compensation.
Just what those picks were going to be appears to be the reason the trade is currently not likely to happen, as the Suns appear to have wanted a pair of second rounders. The Raptors on the other hand, only seem to have wanted to part with one of those.
Suns will get pair of second round picks if they hold firm
The Suns are also well aware, like every other team in the league, that the Raptors need to make a salary shedding deal such as this one in order to get under the apron and avoid a dreaded tax bill.
That's the main reason Toronto is interested in doing a deal, as Richards is in the final year of his contract and will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. So in theory giving up a pair of second rounders to ensure they're not left with a hefty bill to pay makes sense.
Reporting on trade talks between the Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors, which involved Nick Richards for Ochai Agbaji and second-round pick(s) compensation, plus how Toronto can get below the luxury tax line with hosts @BlakeMurphyODC and @mattbonner_15 on @FAN590 and @Sportsnet. pic.twitter.com/fq1VQJboHf
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) December 23, 2025
Moving away from the Raptors, and there is a lack of quality backup big men in the league currently. It is why Luke Kornet of the San Antonio Spurs has such value for example, as he can keep things moving while Victor Wembanyama is either on the bench or unavailable.
The same goes for Jonas Valanciunas of the Denver Nuggets, and although Richards isn't in the same class as either of those players, there are several teams that could do with his services.
The New York Knicks and Boston Celtics being two such examples, and in fact we've already put forward a trade with the Knicks that would make everybody happy.
The Suns have also had some joy with second round selections in recent seasons, taking Oso Ighodaro and landing Rasheer Fleming through trade last year.
So as other organizations get more desperate, for different reasons, the Suns are going to find themselves offered two second round picks for Richards.
Some teams see him as a player who can actually help round out their rotation, while a franchise like the Raptors sees it as an easy way to save money in the long run.
Whatever way it ultimately happens, all General Manager Brian Gregory has to do is sit tight and field the offers, and eventually the Suns are going to get what they want here.