The Phoenix Suns may have to keep Jusuf Nurkić around this season due to his large contract according to a recent report.

In the move, the Suns acquired Richards and a second-round pick from the Hornets for Josh Okogie and three second-round picks. This was a solid trade for Phoenix as they not only added a solid new center for cheap, but they also freed up cap space in the move.

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

If Nick Richards doesn't help the Suns right the ship this season, they soon may be facing existential questions about the core of their roster.

According to Bovada, the Washington Wizards have the best odds (+300) of landing Nurkić in a trade. They are followed by the Miami Heat (+400), Houston Rockets (+400) and Detroit Pistons (+400).

Jusuf Nurkić did not play in the Phoenix Suns' victory over the Atlanta Hawks Thursday night. What does it mean for his future in Phoenix?

PHOENIX — Devin Booker stood at his locker late Sunday night. The Phoenix Suns had just beaten the Charlotte Hornets on their home court, hardly a reason for celebration. But the effort had given the struggling Suns their third win in a row and their fourth in five games since coach Mike Budenholzer altered the lineup.

As soon as the Phoenix Suns benched Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic, it sparked plenty of questions ... Despite the numerous injuries to Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant, when they've been on the court, much hasn't translated into success.

According to veteran NBA reporter Chris Haynes, Phoenix is benching starters Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkić after losing seven of their past eight games, a stretch that has lowered their record to 15-18. Rookie wing Ryan Dunn and veteran big man Mason Plumlee will replace the pair in the starting lineup.