The Phoenix Suns have seemingly made a bold statement that Nick Richards is no longer in their plans moving forward. He's received minutes during the preseason, but has been kept out of the starting lineup—and not in an attempt to prioritize Khaman Maluach or Mark Williams.
With Oso Ighodaro starting both preseason games at center, and both Maluach and Williams likely to command major minutes, Richards' fate has been sealed—and the Los Angeles Lakers can capitalize.
Richards, 27, has spent the past five seasons progressively developing into a nightly double-double threat. His success in that regard was one of the primary reasons Phoenix traded for him in an attempt to salvage a lost season at the center position.
The Suns have since drafted Maluach with a lottery pick and traded two first-round picks for Williams, however, which seemingly guarantees Richards will be the odd man out.
Ighodaro's inclusion in the starting lineup has only strengthened that belief, as it appears Phoenix now has three centers it rates ahead of Richards. It's disheartening news for the sixth-year center, but the door is now open for trades to be explored.
Los Angeles should make it a point to pursue Richards in a trade that could prove equal parts affordable and crucial to improving the depth at center.
Lakers must go all-in on Nick Richards after Suns prioritize yet another 5
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Richards is a rim-running big with a relatively old school means of contributing to success. His game is built around his ability to crash the glass on both ends of the floor, protect the paint, and throw down [finishes with power and athleticism](https://lakeshowlife.com/lakers-path-reuniting-luka-doncic-p-j-washington-easier).
That's exactly what Los Angeles needs to complement and sustain the value that Deandre Ayton is due to provide as a starter.
Richards has taken a significant step forward over the past two seasons in terms of volume and overall consistency. He averaged 9.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.6 offensive rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 26.3 minutes per game in 2023-24, thus statistically reflecting his value as a player.
In 2024-25, he averaged 9.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.6 offensive rebounds, and 1.0 block despite playing fewer minutes at 22.0 per contest.
Those numbers translate to explosive marks of 15.2 points, 13.4 rebounds, 4.2 offensive boards, and 1.6 blocks per 36 minutes. He managed that production on 59.1 percent shooting from the field and a 74.4 percent mark at the charity stripe.
Furthermore, among players who appeared in at least 50 games this past season, Richards ranked No. 11 in rebounding percentage, No. 13 in defensive rebounding percentage, and No. 16 in offensive rebounding percentage.
In Los Angeles, Richards would act as a potential [upgrade over Jaxson Hayes](https://lakeshowlife.com/lakers-ultimate-x-factor-last-line-defense-history-repeating) in an attempt to solidify the second unit. In addition to being a top-tier rebounder, he ranked No. 8 in the Association in both screen assists and second-chance points per 36 minutes, and has the size and length at 7'0" with a 7'2.25" wingspan to deter slashers from attacking the paint.
With an expiring salary of just $5 million and a team that has three centers ahead of him on the depth chart, Richards is a logical and affordable trade target the Lakers must pursue.