The Phoenix Suns’ roster looks vastly different from a year ago, and more changes could be on the horizon.
After trading away Kevin Durant this offseason, the Suns brought in Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks in a blockbuster deal that also netted them a top-10 draft pick. They used that selection to draft Duke center Khaman Maluach, later acquiring another former Blue Devil, Mark Williams, from the Charlotte Hornets.
In addition to those two players, Phoenix currently rosters Oso Ighodaro and Nick Richards at center. With four players vying for playing time at the same position, the Suns are expected to explore trade options — likely moving one of their big men before the midseason trade deadline.
Richards appears to be the most likely trade candidate. The 27-year-old center has seen limited preseason action, averaging just 13.7 minutes across three games. Meanwhile, Ighodaro averaged over 21 minutes and earned three starts, signaling that he may have surpassed Richards in head coach Jordan Ott’s rotation.
One team reportedly interested in Richards is the Boston Celtics. On an expiring $5 million contract, Richards could provide affordable frontcourt depth without requiring significant outgoing salary. Boston’s current center rotation features Neemias Queta and Luka Garza, who have combined for just 11 career starts. Xavier Tillman also offers frontcourt depth but plays primarily as a stretch four.
With the regular season set to begin Wednesday, Phoenix’s center rotation will soon come into focus. If Richards remains on the outside looking in, a midseason trade could be imminent.