The Suns have acquired Nick Richards ahead of the NBA trade deadline, leading to rumors about Jusuf Nurkic's future.

Debuting for the first time as a member of the Phoenix Suns, center Nick Richards couldn’t have had a better start with his new team and showed how the trade could help the Suns make a push up the standings.

The Phoenix Suns have acquired center Nick Richards from Charlotte, as well as a second-round pick, for Josh Okogie and three seconds, finally solving a substantial need for big man depth. Richards, who's averaging 8.

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.

The Charlotte Hornets have traded center Nick Richards and one second-round pick to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Josh Okogie and three second-round

Despite holding a lead entering the fourth quarter during Sunday night's contest, the Charlotte Hornets were unable to maintain their momentum against the Phoen

Phoenix was looking to include center Jusuf Nurkic in the trade talks for Richards and coveted Hornets swingman Cody Martin, league sources told HoopsHype.Source: HoopsHype What’s the buzz

The trade that went down yesterday between the Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Hornets was almost a lot bigger. Nick Richards and a pick went to Phoenix, and Josh Ok

In the move, the Suns acquired Richards and a second-round pick from the Hornets for Josh Okogie and three second-round picks. This was a solid trade for Phoenix as they not only added a solid new center for cheap, but they also freed up cap space in the move.

According to Forbes’ Evan Sidery, the immediate expectation is for Nick Richards and Oso Ighodaro to become the Suns’ new center rotation. Sidery also mentioned that by making this move, the Suns will now upgrade their athleticism in the frontcourt.

The Phoenix Suns are spiraling early in the season, and big man Jusuf Nurkic could be on the move as a result.

The Suns, who are facing second-apron restrictions, could also legally acquire Grant Williams ($13.03MM) or Josh Green ($12.65MM) along with Richards in exchange for Nurkic, though Williams is out for the season following knee surgery. Both he and Green have two more guaranteed years on their contracts after this season.