Suns 'Comfortable' Keeping Key Big Man Despite Trade Rumors: Report
The Phoenix Suns entered the NBA offseason looking to make major changes to their roster and they have been able to do so thus far as they have been one of the more active teams this summer.
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Of course, Phoenix is coming off a season in which they missed the playoffs and they knew that it was time for a change, especially with their big three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Khaman Maluach stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the tenth pick by the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesBrad Penner-Imagn Images
Because of this, they elected to trade Durant to the Houston Rockets to begin the offseason where they received Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the draft rights to Khaman Maluach and five second-round picks in return.
They then acquired Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets during the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft before selecting Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea in the second round.
Charlotte Hornets big man Mark WilliamsScott Kinser-Imagn Images
By adding both Williams and Malauch to their roster, the Suns have been able to upgrade their frontcourt, which was a major problem for them last season.
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These additions have also made Nick Richards' role next season uncertain and there have reportedly been many teams around the NBA to show interest in trading for the 27-year-old center.
Despite this, the Suns are reportedly comfortable keeping him as an insurance policy next season according to Forbes' Evan Sidery.
Richards is on an expiring $5 million contract and while his contract is a perfect one for other teams to trade for to upgrade their frontcourt, it may be smart for the Suns to keep him on their roster.
This is due to Williams' injury history and also the inexperience of Maluach as he enters his rookie season.
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Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards (2) dunks in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.David Richard-Imagn Images
While the Suns could elect to keep Richards, if they receive a large enough trade offer for him, expect them to move on from the seven-footer as they continue to retool their roster around Booker.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
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