It has been a busy offseason for many teams around the NBA, including the Phoenix Suns.
Of course, the Suns entered the offseason expected to make major changes to their roster and they have done just that which began by them trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and draft capital.
Phoenix then pulled off a trade with the Charlotte Hornets on draft night to acquire Mark Williams and then selected Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) reacts to an official’s call during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Spectrum Center.
Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) reacts to an official’s call during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Spectrum Center.
© Nell Redmond-Imagn Images
With the Suns landing both Williams and Maluach this offseason, they have been able to upgrade their frontcourt, which was a massive problem for them last season.
These moves have also led to trade speculation for another one of their big men in Nick Richards and a recent report suggests there is a large market for him this summer.
According to Suns insider John Gambadoro, the Suns have received calls from several teams about a potential Richards trade.
Gambadoro also mentioned that Phoenix does like Richards and could elect to keep him for insurance behind Williams and Maluach.
Of course, the Suns acquired Richards from the Hornets ahead of the trade deadline last season to upgrade their frontcourt and he played well in the second half of the season.
Last season, the 27-year-old center averaged 9.5 points and 8.6 rebounds per game while shooting 60.5% from the field in 36 games for the Suns.
Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards (2) dunks in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards (2) dunks in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
David Richard-Imagn Images
While Richards played well for the Suns last season, they could elect to trade him this summer, especially with many teams around the league in need of a center.
Despite this, it may be a smart decision for Phoenix to instead keep him on their roster if they are not intrigued by offers from other teams, especially with Williams’ injury history.
Either way, it is expected that more moves are coming in Phoenix and Richards may be a part of them.