If there was one area where the Phoenix Suns were painfully lacking last season, it was at the center position. The team having to make do with Jusuf Nurkic, before making a move at the deadline to go and get Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets. Right away the 27-year-old was everything the Suns needed, bringing energy and athleticism defensively.
Yet despite playing 36 games - and starting 24 of them - by season's end it had become obvious that Richards, for all his heart, was best used as a backup big in this league. A fact the Suns likely would have been cool with, had they not gone back to Charlotte to add Mark Williams, before then getting Khaman Maluach in the lottery at the NBA Draft. Oso Ighodaro can also play the five when needed.
Boston Celtics are perfect trade partner in Richards deal.
It is clear then that Richards is the fourth choice big man in The Valley this season, a fact that was hammered home when Ighodaro started some preseason games at the five, despite Richards being available. Although Williams is yet to suit up for the team and has a rough injury record at only 23-years-old, there is still enough cover here that trading him is the answer.
Jordan Ott on Suns center rotation with Mark Williams, Nick Richards, Oso Ighodaro and rookie Khaman Maluach. "It is going to be a fluid. We're all new to all this. The work and production matters most. There's been some of that we've seen in our building for the last however… pic.twitter.com/fWdqKI3jch
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 19, 2025
Although head coach Jordan Ott continues to believe all four men can find a spot in the rotation, the Suns recently cut their final roster down to 14. If they could move Richards out for a different kind of player - or perhaps even a pick - from the Celtics, then it would be another move in the right direction during this rebuild.
Let's not forget that Richards was brought on as a panic move when Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal were still in town - and with the direction of the organization having now shifted - the need for Richards has lessened. Getting Richards to Boston remains tricky, although he only makes $5 million and so does not interfere with the cost saving measures happening over there right now.
They also don't have much depth behind Sam Hauser at the five, although Neemias Queta brings a ton of energy and Luka Garza can stretch the floor with his shooting. None of those guys bring the toughness and more traditional approach to the role that Richards does however - and at the low cost he is available for - should be a high priority for them.
Unlike the Suns, the Celtics may not even have a full down year in the absence of Jayson Tatum. He clearly wants to come back this season, while Jaylen Brown and Derrick White are still on this roster. Richards would only be a temporary solution - just like he was in Phoenix - but given the lack of available centers with actual experience out there, he seems a smart choice for them to target.