The Phoenix Suns, who have inquired about Miami Heat star forward Jimmy Butler, now have limited trade assets in the form of draft

The Phoenix Suns are trading Josh Okogie and three second-round picks to the Charlotte Hornets for coveted big man Nick Richards and a second-round pick, first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN. The Hornets are sending Nick Richards and one 2nd round pick to the Suns for Josh Okogie and three 2nd round picks,

The Suns struck a deal to trade for Charlotte Hornets 7-footer Nick Richards on Wednesday afternoon, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. In exchange, the Suns will send guard Josh Okogie to the Hornets along with three future second-round draft picks. The Suns will also receive a future second-round draft pick from the Hornets as part of the deal.

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According to a report from Shams Charania of ESPN, the Phoenix Suns have acquired center Nick Richards and one second-round NBA Draft pick from the Charlotte Hornets. In exchange, the Hornets are receiving shooting guard Josh Okogie and three second-round NBA Draft picks.

Doug Smith of The Toronto Star is responsible for breaking the news. Jimmy Butler doesn’t match the timeline of the Raptors but Toronto views this as an opportunity to cash in. Their interest in being a third team is to assist in facilitating a trade in exchange for assets. Smith said,

The Suns’ front office will need to be strategic in their approach, balancing the desire to acquire Butler with the need to maintain a competitive roster.

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.