Nick Richards, who has also attracted interest from the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks, has reportedly emerged as a potential free-agent target for the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Philadelphia 76ers could turn their attention to another veteran free agent as they continue filling out their roster for the 2026-27 NBA season.
Nick Richards
Position C
Age 28
Height 211 cm
Weight 111 kg
Birth place Kingston, Jamaica
According to NBA insider Evan Sidery, former Chicago Bulls center Nick Richards is an option to monitor for Philadelphia.
With the 76ers also expected to acquire Kentavious Caldwell-Pope once he completes a contract buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies, Richards could become the team's primary target for its backup center position.
Richards could back up Joel Embiid
Philadelphia currently needs additional frontcourt depth behind Joel Embiid, and Richards would give head coach Nick Nurse a traditional rim-running and rebounding center for the second unit.
The 28-year-old appeared in 48 games between the Phoenix Suns and Bulls last season, averaging 5.8 points and 5.1 rebounds in 14.6 minutes per game.
Richards has averaged 7.1 points and 5.8 rebounds across 305 NBA appearances while shooting 62.1% from the field. The 2.11-meter center has spent time with the Charlotte Hornets, Suns, and Bulls since entering the league in 2020.
His size, offensive rebounding, screen-setting, and ability to finish around the rim could complement a Philadelphia second unit expected to include Caldwell-Pope and Anfernee Simons.
Lakers and Knicks also linked to Richards
The 76ers would not be the only contender interested in Richards.
Sidery previously reported that the Lakers, Knicks, and Miami Heat had all shown free-agent interest in the Jamaican center. Richards was viewed as one of the best remaining traditional big men on the market and a possible veteran-minimum addition for a contender.
New York's interest has extended across multiple seasons, with the Knicks previously exploring Richards as a potential frontcourt addition through both trades and free agency.
The Lakers were also named among the teams that expressed trade interest while Richards was with Phoenix.
Philadelphia could now become an attractive destination by offering Richards a defined role as Embiid's primary backup on a roster built to contend for the Eastern Conference title.
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