The Eastern Conference is wide open, but only because the Boston Celtics will be taking a step back. The Celtics’ need to get under the second apron was only compounded when Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles in the postseason.
To cut salary, Boston allowed Luke Kornet and Al Horford to leave in free agency. Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis were traded.
With Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Jaylen Brown on the roster, Boston could still make the playoffs, although their title chances are low. However, when Tatum returns, Boston is expected to pick up where they left off, and the Celtics will need to replace Porzingis.
Boston could explore free agency, or they could swing a trade for a solid center on a friendly contract.
GettyMACAU, MACAU – OCTOBER 12: Nick Richards #2 of Phoenix Suns slam dunks during NBA China Games 2025 between Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns at The Venetian Macao on October 12, 2025 in Macau, Macau. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images)
Trade Rumors Link Boston Celtics to Nick Richards
Last season, the Phoenix Suns acquired Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets in a last-ditch effort to maximize their core of Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker.
It didn’t work, and the Suns seem poised to rebuild. However, they have very little draft capital. Phoenix boasts a center rotation of Richards, Khaman Maluach, Mark Williams, and Oso Ighodaro. One of those players is easily expendable.
“Richards appears to be the most likely trade candidate,” wrote The Sporting News’ Mack Baltes on October 20th. “One team reportedly interested in Richards is the Boston Celtics. On an expiring $5 million contract, Richards could provide affordable frontcourt depth without requiring significant outgoing salary.”
Of course, Boston would have to re-sign Richards for next season, likely to the tune of more than the $5 million he is making now. However, with Anfernee Simons off the books next summer, coming to an agreement wouldn’t be too hard.
Richards would be a serviceable rim protector and rebounder for Boston, although he wouldn’t space the floor like Horford or Porzingis.
Mock Trade Sends Nick Richards to Boston Celtics
Between 2026 and 2032, the Suns hold six first-round draft picks. The vast majority of them have swap rights, so the Suns won’t be picking near the top of the lottery any time soon.
On top of that, Phoenix will find it hard to flip any of those picks for win-now talent to surround Booker with. As a result, flipping expiring contracts for draft capital will need to be a priority this summer. Boston could be a player, especially if they are willing to commit to Richards.
Full Mock Trade Details:
- Boston Celtics receive: Nick Richards
- Phoenix Suns receive: Baylor Scheierman, Xavier Tillman, 2027 first-round pick (lottery protected)
In this deal, the Celtics bite the bullet and give up one of their better young players in Scheierman. By 2027, Boston should be back to fighting for the title, and that 2027 pick isn’t the best asset, although Richards is not worth an unprotected pick.
In free agency, after losing Tillman, Boston could target John Collins, Robert Williams III, Mitchell Robinson, or even Porzingis to share the frontcourt with Richards.
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