The Phoenix Suns have acquired center Nick Richards as well as a second-round pick for Josh Okogie and three seconds, finally solving a substantial need for big man depth.
Richards, who is averaging 8.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks this season, stands over 7 feet tall and immediately enhances Phoenix’s otherwise modest size, which is occupied primarily by Jusuf Nurkić and Mason Plumlee.
The addition of Richards is a sign that the Suns are going for it this season, as they still have the big three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal in place.
The trio has had to help with the team’s big man responsibilities, and now there’s a chance they can scale back such efforts and focus more on attacking performances.
Although the 27-year-old Richards has just 221 games of NBA experience, his production over the past two seasons should help the Suns in their playoff run. He will be tasked with rebounding the ball, protecting the paint and scoring near the rim.
Of his shot attempts this season, 94.7% have come from within 10 feet, so don’t expect the center to spend much time at the rim. He is a rim runner, dunker spot and cleanup guy through and through. For Phoenix, that’s not a bad thing.
As for the Hornets, they get a defensive wing whose fit seems a little shaky given the presence of Josh Green. However, you can’t deny that Okogie is nasty.
The 26-year-old plays an aggressive defensive style, which leads to steals and a surprising number of blocks, thanks to his athleticism and sense of timing.
Okogie is shooting over 38% from downtown this season after shooting 29.3% through the first six years of his career, and if that number somehow becomes the new normal, Charlotte could easily find a way to to get him more minutes.
It also appears that Okogie is somewhat of an investment in Charlotte’s young players, most of whom are not disciplined defensively. The organization could hope that his influence will have a trickle-down effect on those players, especially LaMelo Ball, who still needs to complete his defensive game to become a true superstar.
But the big advantage for Charlotte is of course the three second-rounders.
The organization wasn’t going anywhere this season, and using Richards’ contract to raise draft equity was always an obvious path. For a team that’s still a few years away from being truly competitive, adding draft picks to use as rosters or as trade assets provides another way to make upgrades.
Overall, both teams got what they needed. Richards fills a big need for Phoenix, and the Hornets fill their draft boxes. This seems to be a win-win situation.