Evaluating the benefits and risks of a Nick Richards trade for the Charlotte Hornets

The NBA trade deadline is less than a month away, and Hornets' Nick Richards has been at the center of trade discussions.

Ali Jawad | 14 Hours Ago

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Charlotte Hornets

For NBA fans, the trade deadline, an event that typically ignites the sports world, is just around the corner, which usually promises the same excitement as Christmas morning.

Players will be traded to new teams, some contenders will make a final roster push to bolster their championship aspirations, while others will rebuild by acquiring assets for the future.

The Charlotte Hornets currently, sit with a record of eight wins and 27 losses and are likely to be sellers than buyers at the trade deadline if any moves are made on February 6th. As a potential trade candidate, Center Nick Richards is one name to watch for teams looking to add depth and size to their frontcourt.

In 20 games this season, Richards has averaged 9.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks while shooting 56.4%.

However, given the Hornets' recent struggles and their fading playoff hopes, is trading Richards the most prudent course of action for a team that is in a rebuilding phase and has been valuable off the bench?

Let's examine the potential benefits and risks of trading the 7-foot, 245-pound center.

Nick Richards has been PHenomenal all season long😤#HornetsHighlight pic.twitter.com/l20XknDzhM
— Hornets On FanDuel Sports Network (@FDSN_Hornets) October 31, 2024

Benefits of Trading Richards:

Emergence of Mark Williams: With the emergence of a healthy Mark Williams, who has scored in double figures in nine of his 13 appearances this season and is currently averaging a strong 12.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 61.8% from the field as the starting center, Richards' playing time may be considerably reduced.

Acquire Assets: If the Hornets can secure a decent return for Richards – such as draft picks or a young player with potential – it could significantly bolster their roster in other areas.

Salary Cap Flexibility: Trading Richards could create some salary cap flexibility, allowing the Hornets to pursue other free agent targets or make future trades. With only one year remaining on his contract at a manageable $5 million, Richards presents a cost-effective opportunity for contending teams to acquire a valuable asset and add depth to their roster.

Nick Richards got UP over Embiid 😳 pic.twitter.com/lpd15xRVde
— NBA TV (@NBATV) December 21, 2024

Risks of Trading Richards

Depth at Center: Trading Richards would significantly diminish the Charlotte Hornets' depth at the center position, potentially leaving them dangerously thin. Richards provides a valuable veteran presence and a reliable backup option behind the promising but still developing Mark Williams.

Limited Return: If the return for Richards is insignificant, it might not be prudent to trade away a valuable rotation player who has consistently demonstrated solid rebounding and defensive contributions.

Potential for more Improvement: Richards currently exhibits a solid foundation, but when considering his missed time due to injuries, there is clear room for him to expand his skillset and enhance his overall game. With focused effort and consistent coaching, at 27 he still has the potential to not only improve his individual performance but also become a more valuable asset to the team's long-term success.