Kevin Durant is speaking out for the first time about the 7-foot-1 Jamaican big man who was recently traded

Wednesday, Phoenix Suns He acquired Jamaican-born big man Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets. The move gives Phoenix some breathing room when it comes to their tax bill this season as they file Kevin Durant Co. has much-needed frontcourt depth amid Jusuf Nurkic’s struggles.

With Durant and the Suns sitting in 11th place in the Western Conference, half a game back of 10th place Golden State WarriorsRichards is expected to give the team a boost heading into the mid-season.

Richards is averaging 8.9 points, on 56.1% shooting, along with 7.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game this season. Durant is excited to see what he can bring to the Suns.

AZ Central’s Duane Rankin spoke with the star forward about the addition of Richards and what his gritty inside play means for the team as they look to move up the standings.

“He’s a strong presence in the paint, a big body that can make a mess out there and cause some issues guarding his rim,” Durant said Thursday.

“Getting his hands on the basketball on the offensive goal and then finishing above the rim. It’s something we all have to get better at as a group. Hopefully he’ll lead us in that area. Just controlling the paint.”

Kevin Durant wishes Josh Okogie well after Suns-Hornets trade for Nick Richards

While the Suns acquired Nick Richards from the Hornets along with a second-round pick, the team parted ways with Josh Okogie and three second-round picks.

Although Okogie only played 14.0 minutes per game this season, his hard work and perseverance made him a player respected not only by fans but also by Kevin Durant.

Following Wednesday’s trade, Durant spoke with Duane Rankin about the impact Okogie’s exit would have on the team and wished him well in Charlotte.

“I really appreciated the way Josh approached the game and his love for his teammates,” Durant said. “I wish him the best. I’m sure we’ll meet again. He’s a great teammate, but I’m looking forward to having him around.” Nick is on the team.”

The big question following the Suns’ trade of Richards is whether this move will be the only one Phoenix makes before the trade deadline. Although the acquisition of Richards is expected to bolster the team’s front line, the consensus is that the Suns need at least one additional piece.

Despite Durant’s three-headed monster, Devin Booker And Bradley Beal With the Western Conference as competitive as ever, it may take more than just additional depth in the front court to make Phoenix a legitimate postseason threat.