The Charlotte Hornets traded backup center Nick Richards and a second-round draft pick to the Phoenix Suns for guard Josh Okogie and three second-round draft picks on Wednesday night.

During Week 13, the Blazers will play four games, beginning with the Heat on Tuesday. With Mark Williams firmly entrenched as Charlotte’s starting center, Richards needed a move to have a chance of establishing his fantasy ceiling.

Phoenix addressed its size issue by adding Richards, who averaged 11.3 points on 61.7% shooting, 10.2 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 27.2 minutes in nine starts with the Hornets. For the season, he is averaging 8.9 points on 56.1% shooting, 7.5 rebounds. 1.2 blocks and 21.0 minutes per game in 21 games with Charlotte.

Nick Richards could become the starting center in Phoenix, which impacts Jusuf Nurkic's duties with the Suns and Mark Williams' role in Charlotte.

However, they’ve added a player in Richards who can provide the rebounding and rim protection the current rotation lacks while not needing to have plays run for him offensively. While there were opportunities for him to shine in Charlotte,

Suns guard Bradley Beal is doubtful for Thursday's game against the Wizards after spraining his ankle in Tuesday's loss.

The Suns are still without Jusuf Nurkic, who has yet to join the team on this five-game road trip because he’s been out with the flu. He'll miss a third straight game on Thursday.

Phoenix was looking to include center Jusuf Nurkic in the trade talks for Richards and coveted Hornets swingman Cody Martin, league sources told HoopsHype.Source: HoopsHype What’s the buzz

The Suns have acquired Nick Richards ahead of the NBA trade deadline, leading to rumors about Jusuf Nurkic's future.

The Phoenix Suns have acquired center Nick Richards, as well as a second-round pick, for Josh Okogie and three seconds, finally solving a substantial need for big man depth. Richards, who's averaging 8.