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 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.

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.

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

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 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.

The Suns recorded their fourth win in five games but one decision must be made to enhance that superb run of form

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.