Day: January 15, 2025

The Phoenix Suns have acquired Nick Richards and one second round pick from the Charlotte Hornets for Josh Okogie and three second round picks. The Hornets will receive second round picks originating from the Denver Nuggets in 2026 and 2031, as well as a 2031 second via the Suns. The Suns will receive Denver’s 2025 second round pick.

The Suns have been looking for an upgrade at center with Jusuf Nurkic falling out of favor with Mike Budenholzer. The Hornets and Suns previously discussed the inclusion of Nurkic in a trade for Richards.

Richards, who is represented by Javon Phillips, Jared Mucha and Jeff Schwartz, is signed through the 25-26 season on a $5 million deal. Richards is averaging 8.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 21.0 minutes over 21 games this season for the Hornets.

Okogie is averaging 6.0 points and 2.9 rebounds in 14.0 minutes over 25 games this season. Okogie is shooting a career best 38.1 percent on three-pointers.

The Miami Heat have reportedly had trade talks involving Jimmy Butler with a number of teams. However, no trade is close because Miami doesn’t like the options they have.

The Heat are facing an awkward situation, with Butler’s team-issued suspension soon to expire. Butler has indicated he’s ready to return to the team and play. But Miami is seemingly reluctant to go down that path. The Heat suspended Butler because of his lack of effort in games after his trade request, not because of the trade request itself. That’s not a situation Miami wants to see repeat if Butler plays in games for them again.

After meeting with Heat president Pat Riley, Butler reissued his trade demand. He also made it clear he would not sign another contract with Miami. Butler also indicated he may use his $52.4 million player option as leverage to force a situation where he opts in to be traded this offseason.