Get to know new Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards and what his potential role with the NBA team could be after his trade from the Charlotte Hornets.

During Week 13, the Blazers will play four games, beginning with the Heat on Tuesday. With Mark Williams firmly entrenched as Charlotte’s starting center, Richards needed a move to have a chance of establishing his fantasy ceiling.

The Suns made a move to acquire Nick Richards from the Hornets, but some people are more skeptical of the move than expected.

The Charlotte Hornets traded Nick Richards to the Phoenix Suns in a move that was widely panned as a win-win for both sides. Charlotte flipped Richards for an active, defensive-minded wing in Josh Okogie and a handful of future second round draft picks, while Phoenix added an interior reinforcement to their championship-contending roster.

Phoenix addressed its size issue by adding Richards, who averaged 11.3 points on 61.7% shooting, 10.2 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 27.2 minutes in nine starts with the Hornets. For the season, he is averaging 8.9 points on 56.1% shooting, 7.5 rebounds. 1.2 blocks and 21.0 minutes per game in 21 games with Charlotte.

Richards will come off the bench in his Phoenix debut as the backup center to Mason Plumlee. However, it wouldn't be surprising for Richards to fight for a starting job moving forward as he becomes acclimated to his new team.

The Phoenix Suns acquired Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards and a 2025 NBA draft second-round pick on Wednesday in exchange for wing player Josh Okogie and three future second-round NBA draft selections. Richards is averaging 8.9 points per game and 7.5 rebounds per game this season, in 21 minutes of action per game.

The Phoenix Suns' center rotation was in a dire state recently. Phoenix hopes trading for Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets will help ease their concerns.

However, they’ve added a player in Richards who can provide the rebounding and rim protection the current rotation lacks while not needing to have plays run for him offensively. While there were opportunities for him to shine in Charlotte,

Okogie, a fan favorite, was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for seven-footer Nick Richards. Phoenix also sent draft picks in the deal.

The 27-year-old Richards, who is averaging 8.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game this season, could be the Suns' new starting center.