The Eastern Conference is wide open this season, but the Boston Celtics, long a dominant force, are facing an unexpected setback. The devastating Achilles injury to star forward Jayson Tatum during the postseason has forced the team to make drastic roster changes to get under the NBA’s second apron. In a bid to cut salary, the Celtics parted ways with Luke Kornet and Al Horford in free agency, while Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis were traded. Despite retaining Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Jaylen Brown, Boston’s championship aspirations have taken a hit, though they remain playoff contenders.
With Tatum expected to return next season and restore Boston’s title-contending status, the Celtics are already looking to fill the void left by Porzingis at center. One name generating buzz is Charlotte Hornets-turned-Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards, who could serve as a cost-effective solution for Boston’s frontcourt woes.
Nick Richards Emerges as a Trade Target
Last season, the Phoenix Suns acquired Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets in a desperate attempt to bolster their roster around Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker. The move failed to deliver a championship, and with Phoenix now shifting toward a rebuild, Richards has become a prime trade candidate. Currently on an expiring $5 million contract, Richards is an affordable option for teams like the Celtics, who are looking for frontcourt depth without breaking the bank.
“Richards appears to be the most likely trade candidate,” wrote Mack Baltes of The Sporting News on October 20th. “One team reportedly interested in Richards is the Boston Celtics. On an expiring $5 million contract, Richards could provide affordable frontcourt depth without requiring significant outgoing salary.”
Richards, a 7-footer known for his rim protection and rebounding, could seamlessly slot into Boston’s rotation as a serviceable center. While he lacks the floor-spacing ability of Horford or Porzingis, his defensive presence and athleticism make him a valuable addition. The challenge for Boston will be re-signing Richards next summer, as his salary is expected to increase. However, with Anfernee Simons’ contract coming off the books, the Celtics should have the flexibility to secure a deal.
Proposed Mock Trade: Richards to Boston
The Suns, hampered by limited draft capital, hold only six first-round picks between 2026 and 2032, most of which are encumbered by swap rights. This makes it difficult for Phoenix to acquire win-now talent to complement Devin Booker, pushing them to prioritize flipping expiring contracts like Richards’ for future assets. Boston, eager to bolster its roster, could capitalize on this opportunity.
Here’s a proposed mock trade that could bring Richards to Beantown:
Boston Celtics receive: Nick Richards
Phoenix Suns receive: Baylor Scheierman, Xavier Tillman, 2027 first-round pick (lottery protected)
In this deal, Boston parts with Scheierman, one of their promising young players, and Tillman, a versatile big man. The 2027 first-round pick, while lottery protected, is a calculated risk for the Celtics, who expect to be back in title contention by then with Tatum’s return. For Phoenix, the trade provides much-needed draft capital and young talent to aid their rebuild.
If the Celtics acquire Richards, they’ll need to plan for the future to complement him in the frontcourt. With Xavier Tillman potentially leaving in the proposed trade, Boston could turn to free agency next summer to target players like John Collins, Robert Williams III, Mitchell Robinson, or even a reunion with Kristaps Porzingis. These additions could provide the depth and versatility needed to restore Boston’s championship pedigree.
The Celtics’ pursuit of Nick Richards signals their intent to remain competitive despite this season’s challenges. While Richards may not replicate Porzingis’ unique skill set, his affordability and defensive prowess make him a potential “secret weapon” for a team in transition. As the Eastern Conference scrambles to seize the opportunity created by Boston’s temporary step back, the Celtics are quietly laying the groundwork for a triumphant return. The league is on notice—Beantown is far from done.