The New York Knicks are one of the several contenders who have expressed interest in trading for Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards, Hoopshype’s Michael Scotto reports
Richards entered last week’s NBA Draft as the lone center on the Suns roster. But the acquisitions of his former Charlotte Hornets teammate Mark Williams and the selection of Duke standout Khaman Maluach with the No. 10 pick cloud his future in Phoenix.
“Richards has drawn trade interest from several teams, including the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, and Los Angeles Lakers, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote.
The Suns acquired Williams for the No. 29 pick (Liam McNeeley) and a 2029 first-round pick, which will be the least-favorable of picks from the Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Minnesota Timberwolves (top-five protected), according to ESPN’s senior NBA insider Shams Charania.
It was a package less than what the Lakers gave up (Dalton Knecht, unprotected 2031 first-round pick and a 2030 pick swap) in the rescinded Williams deal at the trade deadline.
Richards, 27, has a $5 million non-guaranteed salary for the 2025-26 season. But Scotto added that the Suns are expected to guarantee his salary, which will give the team the ability to trade him.
The 7-foot center who has a 7-foot-4 wingspan averaged nearly a double-double per game last season. He posted 9.3 points on 59.1% shooting, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 22 minutes per game while splitting time with the Hornets and the Suns last season. The former Kentucky Wildcat started in 43 of 57 games.
Nick Richards on Knicks’ Radar Since Last Year
Getty Isaiah Hartenstein of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball in front of Nick Richards of the Phoenix Suns.
The Knicks previously held interest in Richards last offseason when they were looking for a center as place holder while Mitchell Robinson was recovering from a left ankle surgery. After the Knicks traded for Karl-Anthony Towns, the Hornets held on to Richards before shipping him to Phoenix in January for three second-round picks.
Robinson is entering the final year of his four-year, $60 million contract. The Knicks are looking to re-structure their finances as Mikal Bridges’ extension looms.
Getting Richards and signing him to a contract extension less than what Robinson would command would go a long way for the cap-conscious Knicks.
Jordan Clarkson Coming to New York
GettyJordan Clarkson intends to sign with the New York Knicks after clearing waivers, according to report.
Former Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson intends to sign with the Knicks once he clears waivers, NBA insider Chris Haynes reports.
Clarkson, who finalized a buyout from the Utah Jazz before the NBA Free Agency opened, will clear the waivers on July 2.
Haynes added that the Filipino-American guard will sign for the veteran minimum — a great bargain for the Knicks.
The 32-year-old high-scoring guard will boost the Knicks bench that was last in scoring last season. Clarkson averaged 16.2 points and 3.7 assists off the bench for the Jazz last season. He also shot 36.2% from the 3-point line. He won the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2021.
In 2023, he led the Philippine national team in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where he averaged 26.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.2 steals in 36 minutes.
In New York, he will be reunited with his former Lakers teammate Josh Hart, who found a home with the Knicks.
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