The Golden State Warriors have kicked off the 2025-26 NBA season with a promising 2-1 record, fueled by Stephen Curry’s scorching 33.3-point average over the first three games. However, a glaring weakness in the paint was exposed during a 139-119 blowout loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night, particularly with 39-year-old center Al Horford sidelined. The defeat underscored a pressing need for a younger, more reliable option at the center position to bolster Golden State’s championship aspirations.
Enter Nick Richards, the Phoenix Suns’ 7-foot athletic center, who has emerged as a potential trade target to address the Warriors’ frontcourt concerns. In a recent FanSided article, NBA writer Peter O’Keefe proposed Richards as an under-utilized big man who could thrive alongside Golden State’s core. “Each of Phoenix’s four centers make $6.3 million or less this season, meaning it wouldn’t necessarily be difficult to match salaries in a trade,” O’Keefe noted. With Phoenix’s depth chart crowded by younger talents like Khaman Maluach and Oso Ighodaro, as well as the recently acquired Mark Williams, Richards has averaged just 7.7 minutes through the Suns’ first three games, making him the most realistic trade candidate.
Richards, 27, was traded to Phoenix from the Charlotte Hornets during the 2024-25 season, where he showcased his potential as a double-double machine. In 36 appearances for the Suns last season, he averaged 9.5 points and 8.6 rebounds while shooting an impressive 60.5% from the field. Despite his production, Richards has slipped down Phoenix’s rotation, presenting an opportunity for Golden State to swoop in for a skilled, athletic center who could complement Curry and 9-time All-Defensive Team stalwart Draymond Green.
While Richards may not carry the star power of elite big men like Bam Adebayo or Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, his acquisition would be a far more feasible move for the Warriors. Compared to Golden State’s current options, such as Quinten Post and Trayce Jackson-Davis, Richards’ experience and proven production could make him a trusted piece in the rotation right away. If the Warriors can match his $6.3 million salary, Richards’ rim protection, rebounding, and ability to finish in the paint could form a seamless fit with Curry’s perimeter wizardry and Green’s defensive versatility.
The Western Conference remains a gauntlet, with powerhouse teams standing in the way of Golden State’s title hopes. Acquiring Richards wouldn’t single-handedly vault the Warriors to the top, but it could provide the missing piece to solidify their frontcourt and enhance their chances of contending for a championship. As the trade rumor mill begins to churn, Richards could be the board-crasher Golden State needs to seal the paint and keep Curry’s championship window wide open.