The Phoenix Suns are reportedly planning to hold on to their starting big man.
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches and with the Suns holding the 10th overall pick, attention is also turning toward the future of a current roster member.
According to HoopsHype, Phoenix is expected to guarantee the contract of center Nick Richards.
“Suns center Nick Richards, who has a $5 million non-guaranteed salary for the 2025-26 season, is expected to have his salary guaranteed by the Suns, league sources told HoopsHype. Richards started 34 of 36 games for Phoenix last season and averaged 9.5 points on 60.5 percent shooting from the field with 8.6 rebounds in 22.7 minutes per game.”
Richards came to Phoenix via a trade with the Charlotte Hornets this past season, stepping in for Jusuf Nurkic.
The Suns seem to favor Richards over other internal options like Oso Ighodaro and Mason Plumlee. Still, they’re expected to explore additional frontcourt talent through the draft and free agency. Arizona Sports insider John Gambadoro noted:
“Expect the Suns to prioritize Power Forward and Center in upcoming draft and free agency period. They really need a 4 and can use either a starting 5 or backup 5,” he wrote on X earlier this week.
One prospect linked to Phoenix in draft chatter is Maryland center Derik Queen. In a preview spotlighting frontcourt players for the Suns to monitor, Queen was prominently featured.
“NBA insider Marc Stein mentioned Queen as a name to monitor for the Suns. Queen is a score-first center and has really impressive offensive skills and versatility, but lacks some of the rim protection and athleticism Phoenix would value,” wrote Brendan Mau.
