The Phoenix Suns and the Charlotte Hornets have reportedly discussed a trade involving Jusuf Nurkic and Nick Richards. Should the Suns and Hornets complete the proposed big-men deal, and who would win the trade?
Phoenix and Charlotte’s talks were first reported on Saturday and confirmed by Roderick Boone of the Charlotte Observer early yesterday morning. However, all the reports said the talks were preliminary and ongoing.
If a deal is going to occur, it will likely occur later, as late as the February 6 deadline. The Suns aren’t the only team interested in Richards; five other teams are reportedly interested.
Here is a look at what is known and how the teams got to this point.
Should Suns and Hornets Complete Proposed Big Men Deal, and Who Would Win The Trade?
Phoenix is teetering on the edge of the NBA Play-In tournament. The Suns sit in 10th place in the West at 19-19 as they begin a five-game Eastern Conference road trip, starting against Atlanta on Tuesday.
Injuries have plagued the Suns all season. Still, Phoenix began the season by winning nine of their first games. But the Suns then went on a five-game losing streak as Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal each of the games while Grayson Allen missed three contests.
Sitting at 10-7 on November 25, the Suns went through a month-long swoon, with three three-game losing streaks, and were three games below .500 (15-18) on January 5. The Suns have taken advantage of a recent “softer” schedule and have been relatively successful in winning four of their last five games.
Still, Phoenix has many issues with how its roster was constructed to play on the court. Defense, rebounding, depth, and the play of its centers have been points of contention all season long.
Suns Centers Issues
A lot of Phoenix’s problems can be traced back to its issues at the five. The Suns have one of the worst center groups in the league. Their collection of five-men ranks at the bottom of the league in offensive production, at 13.8 points a game, at 52%. They also allow the fifth most points to centers, at 24.3 a contest, while permitting them to shoot 54.3% from the field.
Additionally, Phoenix ranks in the bottom third of the NBA in paint points. A big reason for that is that the Suns have no shot-blockers.
Jusuf Nurkic
Nurkic has been at the forefront of the Suns’ troubles. Known more for his offensive abilities, Nurkic has been terrible on that end. He averages 8.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting 45.4/32.2/69.8. His 101 offensive rating is the lowest since his first couple of seasons in the league.
The 30-year-old hasn’t been terrible on the defensive end, as he rebounded the ball exceptionally well. But he isn’t providing the rim protection that he usually does. Besides, Nurkic permits his opposing checks to score around 15 points a game and has a plus/minus of nearly three.
Still, Nurkic has done a solid job defending around the rim, holding opponents to 57% shooting from six feet and within. He also limits opponents to less than 55% from 10 feet and within. His biggest problem is guarding the perimeter.
Nurkic has been taken out of the rotation by Mike Budenholzer and has not played in six of the last eight games. He has averaged 16.5 minutes in the two appearances since being removed from the starting lineup. He is currently dealing with the flu and is out for at least the start of the Suns’ current road trip.
Mason Plumlee and Oso Ighodoro
Mason Plumlee has started the last eight games. Although he hasn’t produced much offensively, he has rebounded the ball exceptionally well, provided rim protection, and improved defensively. Still, offenses are taking advantage.
Despite being Plumlee’s primary backup, Oso Ighodoro has played more than his cohort. The 22-year-old big has demonstrated the ability to impact the game. However, he is a long way from being a polished product.
“He’s bringing energy, and that’s something we’ve been lacking the past couple of weeks, ‘Devin Booker said of the 6-10 rookie.
What Nick Richards Provides
So, why are so many teams interested in Richards? The 27-year-old has struggled a little and is now clearly the backup behind Hornets starter Mark Williams. The Hornets are once again not competing for a playoff spot and have reportedly been impressed with Moussa Diabate.
Richards averages 8.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting 56.1% from the field and 67.8% from the free-throw line. He is an athletic big who usually finishes well at the rim and has a nice hook shot. He also defends extremely well in the low post and is improving as a rim protector.
Williams is much more of an offensive threat than Richards. The 2022 No. 15 overall pick, who has improved each of his NBA seasons despite being continuously plagued by injuries, is an outstanding rebounder and shot-blocker. He is also a good defender on the perimeter and the interior.
Diabate has seen his most action in his three seasons with Charlotte, appearing in 30 contests. The almost 23-year-old has responded by posting a career-high 3.4 points and 6.8 boards (3.1 offensive) while shooting 60.5% from the field in 30 games. He is one of the best offensive rebounders this year and has been impactful on the defensive end.
Why Are The Suns and Hornets Discussing a Trade?
According to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, Phoenix wants a center who can help them this year and also allow them some flexibility.
“[The] Suns like Richards he’s athletic with a good contract. Not sure Charlotte would take back Nurkic, but I do believe the two sides are working on this – There is a way to make it happen but it’s not a sure thing. “
Richards is making just $5 million this year. While Richards becomes extension eligible in March, his $5 million 2025-26 salary is not guaranteed until June 29, 2025.
Charlotte has $17.7 million in space before being hardcapped at the first apron. The Hornets project to have $30 million in cap space next season.
Nurkic, who makes $18.1 million this year, has another year left at $19.3 million. With Phoenix well over the second apron, the Suns can’t take back more money than they send out.
Additionally, the Hornets cannot take back more than 200% (plus 250,000) of the salary they send out. Therefore, the Suns and Hornets have to add pieces to the trade. A third team could also be involved.
More than likely, the only way Charlotte takes on Nurkic’s salary is for the draft capital. If a deal is done, the Hornets could look to flip Nurkic this summer.
Phoenix could possibly escape their salary cap “hell” if the Suns can trade Nurkic at the deadline for favorable contracts and make another big trade this summer. The Suns have a 2031 first-round pick and three second-round selections available to trade.
What Would a Suns and Hornets Trade Look Like?
Phoenix Gets:
Nick Richards
Charlotte Gets:
Jusuf Nurkic
Phoenix 2026 Second Rounder
Phoenix 2031 First Rounder
Details Of Trade
I believe this trade would work for both teams if Charlotte is willing to take Nurkic. With a first-round draft pick and the Hornets a long way from being a contender, there is no reason for the Hornets not to do the deal—unless the Hornets get a better offer.
By acquiring Martin and Richards for Nurkic, the Suns will save $5 million this year—with the tax implications, they will save more. The Suns have an open spot, so Martin could slide right into the spot.
Even more important for the Suns, Richards’ ($5 million) and Martin’s ($8.6 million) 2025-2026 deals are not guaranteed until July. So, theoretically, with the trade, the Suns could save between $4.7 million and $19.3 million for 2025-26. The max savings consider if the Suns swap or release both players this season—for draft considerations/capital.
Martin has been a major part of the Hornets’ second unit this year, but the 29-year-old doesn’t do anything special that would make him “untouchable” or an absolute lock to have his salary guaranteed by the Hornets.
That said, Martin does a lot of the little things and can be a solid defensive player. He averages 8.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists with shooting splits of 43.9/31.0/69.8.
Martin would immediately strengthen Phoenix’s second unit. At this point, he is undoubtedly better than rookie Ryan Dunn, and he would also share ball-handling duties with Grayson Allen.
From Charlotte’s standpoint, Nurkic would be a throw-in for the draft capital. While I would like the Hornets to get a first-rounder before 2031, it is impossible with the Suns’ other commitments. That is why the 2026 second-rounder would have to be included.
The two draft picks would give Charlotte at least 18 picks from 2025 to 2031, 10 of which would be first-round selections.
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