Suns land Nick Richards in trade with Hornets

On By Littum

The Knicks can cross a potential trade target off their list for now.

The Suns acquired center Nick Richards in a trade with the Hornets on Wednesday. according to several reports.

Phoenix also picked up a 2026 second-round pick and a 2031 third-round pick in the deal, while Charlotte got a 2025 second-round pick.


Nick Richards of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the game against the Phoenix Suns on January 12, 2025 at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
Nick Richards looks on during the Hornets’ 120-113 roald loss to the Suns on Jan. 12, 2025. NBAE via Getty Images

The 7-footer had given the Hornets strong depth this season with 8.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists over 21 minutes per game. match.

He joins a Suns team that is 19-20 and on the cusp of the playoffs in 11th place in the Western Conference.

As far back as September — before the Knicks acquired Karl-Anthony Towns from the Timberwolves — Richards was considered a potential Knicks target, SNY reported.

The Knicks have been without solid big men this season after Isaiah Hartenstein left for a three-year, $87 million deal with the Thunder.

Behind Karl-Anthony Towns, who himself is dealing with a sprained thumb and bone chip, Mitchell Robinson has yet to play a game this season after recovering from ankle surgery.


Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (4) grabs a rebound against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at the Footprint Center.
Nick Richards grabs a rebound during the Hornets’ loss
Sun. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photos

However, head coach Tom Thibodeau said Robinson is on track to practice in January.

In Wednesday’s overtime win over the 76ers, Jericho Sims (23 minutes) and Precious Achiuwa (30 minutes) split time.

The two combined for 18 points and 13 rebounds.

However, Sims will be traded before the Feb. 6 trade deadline, The Post’s Stefan Bondy reported earlier this week — even as the team is actively looking to improve its frontcourt.