The Phoenix Suns “held an audition” in their last game against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. They got to see reserve big man Nick Richards, who they reportedly have as one of their trade targets. Nick had only four points this time around. On January 7 though, he helped Charlotte beat Phoenix by scoring 15 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Is he truly a good option for the Suns?
The Phoenix Suns Want Nick Richards Over Jusuf Nurkic
In his latest newsletter, Marc Stein talked about the Suns and their interest in Jimmy Butler. He also touched on another topic on how Phoenix can get Richards. Stein said,
“The Suns have three tradable second-round picks (in addition to a 2031 first-rounder) to try to convince a team like Charlotte to take on Nurkic’s contract for a package headlined by in-demand Hornets big man Nick Richards. But how many of those three picks would it cost them?”
Richards is on a $5 million salary this season and has a $5 million salary for next season that becomes fully guaranteed on June 29. He is extension-eligible over the summer and looks like a decent backup big man. Can he fit a bigger role in Phoenix? Will Charlotte take Jusuf Nurkic and picks for him?
Richards’ Subpar Audition vs. the Suns
Richards had a good chance to show the Suns that they need to get him in the past several days. The Hornets and the Suns played two times, once in Charlotte and once in Phoenix. Richards had one great game and one unproductive outing.
Inconsistency is a problem the Suns cannot afford. For example, after scoring 15 points to help the Hornets beat the Suns, he went scoreless in a loss to the Cavs the next game. Then, he had 10 points in a loss to Detroit, followed by two points in a loss to the Bulls. He then scored a single point against the Thunder and finished with only four points on 2-4 shooting vs. the Suns.
For the season, Richards averages 8.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. Richards is much more athletic and younger than Nurkic, thus would seemingly be a better fit for Phoenix.
Jusuf Nurkic Looks to be Out of Phoenix, Where to Next?
It seems like Nurkic’s time in Phoenix has passed. Coach Mike Budenholzer hasn’t played him in each of the last three contests, and it seems like the center has had enough of it. Recently, there were reports that Nurkic unfollowed the two biggest stars, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant on Instagram. One thing is certain, the animosity between Nurkic and the organization has reached its boiling temperature.
Do the Suns Need a Big Man?
In the last few games, Mike Budenholzer has played Mason Plumlee and Oso Ighodaro over Nurkic. For context, the Suns got Plumlee to serve as their insurance policy, and they are paying him just $3.3 million this season. Ighodaro is their young rookie, drafted in the second round, who is a power forward by nature.
With the way things are unfolding in Phoenix, they might be another team on the market looking for a big man. So far, that list could include the Lakers, Warriors, Knicks, and possibly the Orlando Magic. The Phoenix Suns cannot afford expensive options because of their payroll, but they will continue looking for cheap centers like Nick Richards.
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