Rumored Raptors trade would fix flaw that's been plaguing them

"According to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, Nick Richards is one of the centers the Toronto Raptors have expressed interest in. Scotto added that the Raptors and Suns had "exploratory discussions" about a trade framework that would send Richards to Toronto in exchange for Ochai Agbaji and a second-round pick. The Suns traded for Richards before the 2025 deadline, and he started 34 of the 36 games he played in to end the season, averaging 9.5 points and 8.6 rebounds in 22.7 minutes per game."

"This season, his playing time has decreased significantly, as he is averaging only 3.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game in 9.4 minutes across 24 games (two starts). Phoenix traded for Mark Williams over the summer, making him the new starter. Williams and second-year big man Oso Ighodaro are ahead of Richards on the depth chart. Given Richards' contract situation - he's on a $5 million expiring deal - a trade is expected to happen before the Feb. 5 deadline."

"Earlier this week, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that Toronto hopes to retain center Jakob Poeltl in any pre-deadline trade conversations. Poeltl has been dealing with a nagging back issue, but his numbers are down this season, as he's averaging 10.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, after averaging 14.5 points and 9.6 rebounds per game last season. He also averaged 1.2 blocks per game last season, but that number has dipped to 0.6 this season."

Toronto explored acquiring center Nick Richards from Phoenix in talks that could have included Ochai Agbaji and a second-round pick. Richards started 34 of 36 games after being traded before the 2025 deadline, averaging 9.5 points and 8.6 rebounds in 22.7 minutes to finish the season. His role has shrunk this season to 3.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in 9.4 minutes across 24 games. Phoenix added Mark Williams, with Williams and Oso Ighodaro ahead of Richards. Richards is on a $5 million expiring deal, making a pre-Feb. 5 trade likely. Toronto seeks frontcourt depth while hoping to retain Jakob Poeltl, whose production and shot-blocking have declined amid a nagging back issue. Toronto sits 16-11, third in the East.

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