Swapping Nick Richards for Jusuf Nurkic doesn’t exactly scream upgrade. Even if the Suns sweeten the pot with a potential first-rounder or a couple of seconds, the Hornets might still hesitate.

As expected, the Suns are holding onto Nick Richards, league sources tell The Athletic. Richards’ $5 million salary is ...

Richards, who's averaging 8.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks on the season, stands 7-feet tall and immediately strengthens Phoenix's otherwise modest size, primarily occupied by Jusuf Nurkić ...

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić was benched earlier this month and hasn't appeared in a game since Jan. 7. ... Phoenix acquired big man Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets earlier this month.

Stein suggests a potential deal with the Hornets involving Nurkić and draft picks in exchange for center Nick Richards, whose name has been circulating in recent trade rumors.

Nurkić has been inconsistent through a majority of his time with the Suns, standing out in some games and disappointing in others. In 25 games (23 starts), the 7-foot center is averaging 8.6 ...

Richards, who's averaging 8.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks on the season, stands 7-feet tall and immediately strengthens Phoenix's otherwise modest size, primarily occupied by Jusuf Nurkić ...