Suns Trade Nick Richards to Bulls, Acquire Cole Anthony from Bucks

The Phoenix Suns executed a significant trade, acquiring guard Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey from the Milwaukee Bucks. In exchange, they sent Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis to the Chicago Bulls. This adjustment was made just before the trade deadline, as reported by Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro and ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Suns Trade Nick Richards to Bulls

Initially, Richards was set to move to Milwaukee. However, the trade evolved, resulting in his transfer to Chicago. Ousmane Dieng, previously with the Bulls, will now join the Bucks as part of the deal.

Trade Details and Player Stats

• Nick Richards (Suns to Bulls):
  • Contract: $5 million, largest in the trade.
  • Averaged 3.2 points and 3.3 rebounds in the current season.
  • Played 36 games as a starter, averaging 9.5 points and 8.6 rebounds in the previous season.
• Nigel Hayes-Davis (Suns to Bulls):
  • Career spent overseas before joining the Suns.
  • Averaged 7.2 minutes over 27 appearances.
• Cole Anthony (Bucks to Suns):
  • Aged 25, previously with the Orlando Magic.
  • Career averages: 12.0 points and 3.8 assists.
  • Current season stats: 6.7 points and 3.5 assists in 15.1 minutes per game over 35 games.
• Amir Coffey (Bucks to Suns):
  • Aged 28, averaged 9.7 points last season with the Clippers.
  • Current season stats: 8.8 minutes per game.

Financial Implications for the Suns

This trade helps the Suns strategically reduce their payroll, thus allowing them to stay under the luxury tax threshold. This was crucial as the team has been a tax-paying squad in three of the past four years. Their last season under the threshold was 2021-22.

Despite the loss of Richards, who struggled to maintain a rotation spot, the Suns added experienced players in Anthony and Coffey. This move raises questions about the team’s current roster dynamics, particularly regarding potential buyouts and the impact on younger players like Jamaree Bouyea and Jordan Goodwin.

Impact on the Players

With Richards in Chicago, he is expected to receive more playing time, particularly following the trade of Nikola Vucevic to Boston. Meanwhile, Anthony’s potential buyout seems likely as he has shown inconsistency, although he possesses playmaking abilities. Coffey provides depth and experience, potentially easing the burden on the current roster.

This trade marks a notable shift for the Suns and adds depth to their lineup while affecting the Bulls and Bucks, making it a crucial development in the ongoing NBA season.