NBA Rumors: The alternative to Anthony Davis that the Toronto Raptors have

The Toronto Raptors are clearly active in the market in search of another center to strengthen their interior rotation. In addition to being singled out as the only team seriously pursuing Anthony Davis, the ten-time All-Star center from the Dallas Mavericks, the Canadian franchise has also been linked to other significant names.

It has now emerged that Toronto has initiated talks with the Phoenix Suns for another big man, in this case Nick Richards.

Michael A. Scotto, from HoopsHype, explains that the Raptors have explored the trade market with the dual aim of improving their backup center position and, at the same time, staying below the luxury tax. In that context, the name of Nick Richards has emerged as one of the big men Toronto has shown interest in.

According to sources cited by Scotto, the exploratory conversations between the Raptors and Suns included the sending of Ochai Agbaji and a second-round draft pick in exchange for Richards. Agbaji is in the final year of his rookie contract, with a salary of 6.3 million dollars.

However, the media Suns After Dark reports that Phoenix rejected that proposal.

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Richards' Contractual and Sporting Situation

Nick Richards' contract ends this season, and he earns five million dollars. The 6'11" center has seen his minutes drastically reduced this season with the Suns, playing in 24 games with a little over nine minutes per game.

His current stats, 3.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, are well below his usual averages, which were around nine points and eight rebounds in recent seasons. Last season, Richards averaged 9.5 points and 8.6 rebounds, starting in 34 games and playing 24 minutes per night with Phoenix.

This season, the Suns are giving priority to other centers on the roster. Mark Williams and Oso Ighodaro are ahead in the rotation, while rookie Khaman Maluach is progressing in the G League, further reducing Richards' prominence.

Richards stands out for his athletic ability, explosive jumping, and reliability as a finisher near the rim, especially in pick and roll situations. Defensively, however, he may struggle in individual matchups against the more dominant centers in the NBA.

In Toronto, the idea would be to strengthen the backup center position to give rest to Jakob Poeltl, who has been dealing with back issues this season. In a larger operation, like a hypothetical trade for Anthony Davis, Poeltl and his high contract would have to be included in the equation along with other assets.