Hornets refused to include Cody Martin, Jusuf Nurkic in Nick Richards trade with Suns

The Hornets didn't want to take on the salary.
Dec 27, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (20) walks off the court after being punched by Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (not pictured) at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dec 27, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (20) walks off the court after being punched by Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (not pictured) at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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The trade that went down yesterday between the Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Hornets was almost a lot bigger. Nick Richards and a pick went to Phoenix, and Josh Okogie and three picks went to the Hornets. If the Suns had had their way, Jusuf Nurkic and Cody Martin would've also been involved.

Suns wanted Cody Martin for Jusuf Nurkic as part of Nick Richards trade

According to reports, Nick Richards isn't the only player the Suns wanted out of Charlotte. "Coveted swingman" Cody Martin was on the Suns want list as well. They also reportedly tried to include Jusuf Nurkic in the deal to move off one of their worst contracts, but Charlotte wasn't interested in taking the $19.38 million guaranteed salary for 2025-26.

The Hornets did pretty well in this trade for themselves, but it's a good thing they didn't meet the Suns on their terms. The Suns just don't have the trade assets to make a package worthy of both Richards and Martin. Now that they've sent over a few picks, they have just one more tradeable second-round pick. Their 2031 first-round pick is also available, but that's mostly all Phoenix has to play with.

Cody Marti
Jan 7, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Cody Martin (11) shoots during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images / Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images

The Hornets will likely be able to trade Martin for a nice package later on, so it's good that they didn't burn their two biggest assets in one move. They also did well not to take on Nurkic. He's been disappointing this year and, as mentioned, has a massive salary for next season. If he were on an expiring contract, this would be a different story.

Considering how the trade could have gone, what went down seems to be a pretty ideal swap for the Hornets. It also paved the way for a career night for center Mark Williams, who now has no more competition at the five.

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