NBA TRADE: SUNS IMPROVE THEIR CENTER POSITION

Well, it finally happened. The Phoenix Suns finally have a legit center after Jusuf Nurkic's production has fallen off a cliff, Mason Plumlee is 34, and Oso Ighodaro is only a rookie. Nurkic seems entirely on the way out, especially after this move which was:

• PHOENIX SUNS GET: Nick Richards, 2025 2nd-rd pick (via Denver)

• CHARLOTTE HORNETS GET: Josh Okogie, 2026 2nd-rd pick (via Denver), two 2nd-rd picks in 2031 (via Denver & Phoenix)

So let's break it down for each team.

PHOENIX SUNS:

Bringing in Nick Richards brings a whole new dynamic to the Suns. At only 27 years old, he is immediately the best rim-protecting big man on the team as he's averaging 1.2 blocks per game. With averages of 9 points and 8 rebounds per game, you'd think that doesn't really mean anything for Phoenix. But here's the thing: he's done that largely off the bench. As a starter, Richards holds averages of 11/10/2 with 1.6 blocks. When he plays 30+ minutes, he averages 16/13/2 with 2.6 blocks (granted he's only played more than 30 minutes in 3 games but still legit). The Suns desperately needed a stereotypical big man. Grab boards, block shots, and score in the post. Just take it from Devin Booker himself:

Losing Okogie doesn't hurt as much as Ryan Dunn continues to get more run and improve and Royce O'Neale stays stellar.

SUNS TRADE GRADE: A-

CHARLOTTE HORNETS:

Moving off from Nick Richards makes sense as he was the most sought-after big man this trade season and it just opens the door for Mark Williams to get the larger load at center. Williams has been injured a majority of his career however as his season-high in games played is 43 which came his rookie year. But when he's healthy and gets a good chunk of minutes, boy does he ball out. Just look at his stat line from last night, the first game without Richards:

Let the young man get big minutes and keep tanking as Charlotte recorded only their 9th win of the season last night. LaMelo, Brandon Miller, and Mark Williams NEED to build chemistry and get run together for Charlotte to try and turn into a playoff contender in the future. Taj Gibson being the backup center may hurt for the season but perfect for tanking. Josh Okogie is a nice wing to add and is only making $7.75M next year so could stay or be used as a trade piece with those 3 second-rounders they got too.

HORNETS GRADE: C