The Suns now hold a 24-21 record and sit eighth in the West standings. Of course, their star trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal have been major parts of their recent turnaround but so has their addition of Nick Richards.

Richards - coupled with rookie stud Oso Ighodaro - will inject a very pointed surge of athleticism into the Suns' lineup. Last season Nick Richards had more dunks (120) than Nurkic and Plumlee combined (100) in 1000 fewer minutes.

The Suns traded Josh Okogie and three future second-round picks Wednesday for Richards and a second-round selection. Wearing No. 2, Richards joined the Suns (20-20) Friday in Detroit and was ready to make his debut Saturday against the Pistons (21-20) at Little Caesars Arena.

Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards detailed the shock from playing against the Suns to then becoming a member of the Suns three days later.

In his Suns debut, center Nick Richards made quite the impression with a 20+ point and 10+ rebound double-double.

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker says Nick Richards has been doing "great" since the trade with Charlotte on Jan. 15.

Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said he expects Richards to meet the team Friday in Detroit and get him up to speed on their offensive and defensive schemes. He foresees Richards making his Suns debut Saturday against the Pistons.

Phoenix saw major contributions from the megastar duo of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker - as the pair combined to score 71 points. The ultimate difference between a win and a loss very well could've been thanks to a phenomenal debut from recently acquired C Nick Richards.

Kevin Durant is questionable to suit up for the Suns after landing on the injury report with a left thumb injury.

The Minnesota Timberwolves will face the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center. Despite a rocky season, the Suns have improved and with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, they could defeat the Timberwolves.

"The Suns are also exploring pairing one of the newly acquired first-round picks with Jusuf Nurkic to acquire a starting-caliber or high-level rotation player on the trade market, league sources told HoopsHype. "Nurkic is owed $18.13 million and has averaged 8.6 points and 9.2 rebounds in 23.7 minutes this season.