The former Kentucky big man could be on the move…
Everywhere you look in the NBA, there seems to always be a former Kentucky Wildcats player on any roster.
It goes to show how many stars have come through Lexington and are now making substantial impacts on NBA teams across the league.
One name that is currently being floated around as a potential trade candidate is former Kentucky big man Nick Richards.
Per Evan Sidery, multiple teams have reached out to the Phoenix Suns about the availability of Richards.
Additionally, Brett Siegel reports that the Los Angeles Lakers have kicked the tires on a trade for Richards, though this report came prior to Wednesday’s news that L.A. was signing Deandre Ayton.
Multiple teams have already sent in trade offers to the Suns for Nick Richards.
Richards will be on a $5 million expiring contract after averaging 9.5 points and 8.6 rebounds in Phoenix last season.
If Richards were a free agent, he would be one of the best centers available. pic.twitter.com/opotcwswq0
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 28, 2025
The Lakers have held talks with Phoenix about a Nick Richards trade, league sources told @ClutchPoints.
LA was a team listed by @MikeAScotto as having interest in Richards.
Team has also called about potential Yves Missi and Robert Williams III trades with NOP & POR.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) July 2, 2025
Richards is only due $5 million this upcoming season and would be a very reasonable trade option for a team that is in need of a solid center.
The former Wildcat averaged just under 10 points per game (9.5) and 8.2 rebounds last season.
The Suns were incredibly disappointing last season all around, but Richards could be a viable option if the franchise decides to move on from him before the upcoming season.
It is very unlikely the Suns will move on from Richards at this point, but we will see how it all plays out.