PHOENIX Suns bolstered their frontline rotation with the acquisition of seven-footer Nick Richards from Charlotte Hornets in a one-on-one trade on Wednesday (Thursday in the Philippines).
Based on the trade deal, the Suns send veteran guard Josh Okogie and three future second-round picks to the Hornets in exchange for Richards and a future second-round pick.
The 27-year-old Richards is expected to be a welcome additions to the Suns after head coach Mike Budenholzer recently demoted starting center Jusuf Nurkic to bench role due to ineffectiveness.
Richards is averaging 8.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 21 games, including nine starts, for the Hornets this season. He posted 15 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks against the Suns on Jan. 7.
The 26-year-old Okogie was in his third season in Phoenix, averaging 6.0 points and 2.9 assists in 25 games (one start). He’s shooting a career-best 38.1 percent from the 3-point line.
Meanwhile, Toronto Raptors turned things around in the second half to score a 110-97 upset victory against the reigning champions Boston Celtics at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario.
RJ Barrett had a near triple-double performance of 22 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists to go with one steal and one block as the Raptors improved to a 10-31 record.
Scottie Barnes chipped in 18 points and nine assists, Jacob Poeltl had a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Gracey Dick and Davion Mitchell had 12 and 10, respectively, for the Raptors.
This is the Raptors second consecutive upset victory after also scoring a 104-101 stunner against Golden State Warriors on Tuesday (Philippine time).
Payton Pritchard finished with 20 points to lead the Celtics (28-12), Kristaps Porzingis added 18 markers, while Jayson Tatum ended with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists./PN
