The Phoenix Suns enjoyed a fantastic couple of days at the NBA Draft, restocking their roster with three young players who it is hoped can help the franchise for years to come. Given the Suns were on the outside of this process looking in prior to trading Kevin Durant, the front office did a wonderful job of getting him sent to the Houston Rockets before the draft, so that they could get involved.
In doing so they completely revamped the center and shooting guard positions on the roster, to the point where they now have too many players and not enough minutes to go around. A great problem to have when you compare it to the two full Durant seasons in Phoenix, which led to zero playoff wins and a lack of depth being one of the main reasons why.
Suns likely to guarantee salary of Nick Richards for next season.
One of the tougher decisions the organization are going to have to make is with regards to their centers, and who to give game time to in hopes that they can help. Their 10th pick in the draft in Khaman Maluach will certainly be one, the 18-year-old heading to Phoenix with a ton of defensive upside.
The Suns also swung a trade for Mark Williams of the Charlotte Hornets on the first night of the draft, so he too will be given a chance to impress. When it comes to Nick Richards however - also gotten from the Hornets at the deadline last season - the latest from Michael Scotto of Hoopshype is that his $5 million salary is going to be guaranteed by the franchise this season.
The Phoenix Suns center rotation is Mark Williams, Nick Richards, and Mason Plumlee? This is just the 2022-23 Charlotte Hornets I'm cryin ðŸ˜
— TotallyNotAlex (@TotallyNoAlex) June 26, 2025
That doesn't mean he is going to stick around, and it is more likely his contract guaranteed so that the Suns can explore trade options as the offseason progresses. Richards was an immediate upgrade over Jusuf Nurkic when he landed with the team - his defensive abilities and athleticism were clear for all to see - but after a hot start, he reverted back to what he has been in this league.
Which is a capable backup, although the Suns don't look like they need that at the price Richards costs anymore. Williams will surely miss time with injuries - that was the main reason the grade on the trade was so low - but the team now has a young and eager Maluach to back him up. Second year big Oso Ighodaro will also get some of those minutes.
You can bet there will also be a big out there - just like Mason Plumlee last season - who will also come to Phoenix on a minimum contract to be the third big. Bol Bol could also be brought back - and while space for his services is suddenly a lot more limited - the fact he is South Sudanese like Maluach could help the youngster settle if he has a familiar face along for the ride his rookie year.
Really though this just ensures the Suns have options moving forward, as both Richards and Grayson Allen look like ideal trade candidates. Richards certainly gave his best in his short time with the Suns so far - starting 34-of-36 games played after coming over in the trade - but this roster is being remade and it doesn't look like Richards is going to feature moving forward.