With less than a month to go until the trade deadline, teams with aspirations for this season have begun to take action! The Phoenix Suns have bet on their future for the next five years by forming a trio of Booker, Durant, and Beal, but as it stands, this trio has clearly failed. Beal is now a hot potato, with his $60 million annual salary making him untouchable in the free market; it's not an exaggeration to say that Beal is now a negative asset!
The trade between Nurkic and No. 1 pick Ayton was another major blunder for the Suns. With an annual salary of $18.13 million, Nurkic is also a hot potato, slow in mobility, unable to keep up defensively, lacking in independent offensive ability; it's obvious that such a "triple-no" player can no longer adapt to the current NBA. Now, the Suns are targeting Nurkic!
It is reported that Nurkic missed a game due to illness, and his personal social media account has unfollowed Durant and Booker, indicating that a trade may happen soon. Previously, Nurkic was removed from the rotation lineup, first moving from the starting lineup to the bench, and now being benched (DNP). Currently, it is revealed that the Suns are discussing a trade involving Nurkic with the Charlotte Hornets.
Previously, the Phoenix Suns specifically signed a contract worth $8.3 million with Josh Okogie, with the intention of using him as a trade chip in the future. On January 15th, he just happens to meet the trade conditions. Currently, Nurkic is basically a negative asset, so if the Suns want to get valuable returns, they must offer richer chips.
Nick Richards of the Charlotte Hornets averages 21.2 minutes per game this season, contributing efficiently with 9.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. Compared to Nurkic, he is younger, more versatile, able to run, jump, and defend, with a key salary of only $5 million. Considering the salary matching for the trade, the Hornets might add a few players to balance it out. The key to this trade is whether the Suns are willing to give up draft picks.
According to ESPN, the Suns still have one second-round pick in 2026 and two in 2031. For the Suns, they must go all-in! Therefore, the team is likely to use Nurkic plus three second-round picks to acquire Richards. According to statistics, Richards earns 5millionannually,CodyMartinearns8.12 million, and point guard Mici earns $7.72 million, with the salaries of the three coincidentally matching Nurkic's. This trade is currently under discussion!
Martin can enhance the Suns' wing defense and shooting, creating space for Booker and Durant's offense, while Richards can better protect the rim and set screens, and Mici can make the team's offense smoother. This trade is truly a three-birds-with-one-stone deal for the Suns!
For the Los Angeles Lakers, they also have their eyes on Richards, this quality center. They have been eager to introduce an inside player since the beginning of the season, allowing Davis to return to the power forward position! Now, Richards, who can run, jump, and defend, is the perfect choice! Compared to the Suns' offering of Nurkic as a chip, the Lakers can directly use draft picks to acquire Richards, so Charlotte might be more willing to trade with the Lakers!
This season, under new coach Redick, the Lakers have had good chemistry, but unfortunately, the aging LeBron James can no longer adapt to the intensity of the current NBA. Currently, the Lakers are in sixth place in the West with a record of 20 wins and 16 losses, and there is still a big gap from contending for the championship, so don't expect Richards to completely change the Lakers.
As a fan, do you think the Lakers or the Suns have a better chance of getting Richards? Welcome to leave your comments and exchange ideas!