NBA Trade Rumors: Raptors & Suns Talking Trade

The Toronto Raptors are clearly in the market for another center. They've been rumored to be the only serious team chasing the Dallas Mavericks' 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis, and have been tied to another huge name as well.

We're getting word on yet another big man the Raptors have been trying to swing a trade for, in talks with the Phoenix Suns. Michael A. Scotto of HoopsHype explains:

The Toronto Raptors have explored the trade market in search of a backup center upgrade and are also looking to duck below the luxury tax, league sources told HoopsHype. Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards is among the centers on the trade market that Toronto has expressed interest in, sources said.

Exploratory discussions between the Raptors and Suns, said Scotto, include sending Ochai Agbaji and a second-round draft pick as compensation for Richards. Agbaji is in the final year of his rookie contract at $6.3 million.

Suns After Dark, however, reports that Phoenix turned down the proposal.

As for Richards, he's also on an expiring deal at $5 million. The 6'11" big man has seen his minutes cut precipitously this year with the Suns, averaging just over nine minutes per game in his 24 appearances. He's at 3.4 ppg and 3.3 rebounds, numbers that are a fraction of his usual nine points and eight boards per game over the past few years. Last season, he averaged 9.5 points and 8.6 rebounds while starting 34 games for Phoenix, at 24 minutes a night.

This season, the Suns are prioritizing other centers, Mark Williams, Oso Ighodaro, and rookie Khaman Maluach is making strides in the G League.

Richards is an explosive leaper and a reliable rim-runner and finisher around the basket. On defense, however, he can struggle against top-tier NBA bigs one-on-one.

For the Raptors, they'd love to get a backup big for Jakob Poeltl, who has struggled this season with back troubles. In a bigger deal, such as one for Davis, Poeltl and his huge contract would have to go the other way, along with others.