Detroit Pistons forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (8) loses the ball against defense from Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson) AP

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.

"To steal a page from the Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix would receive back its own 2025 and 2027 first-round picks. Those two picks were initially traded to Brooklyn when Durant joined Phoenix two years ago, and then again traded to Houston this past summer. The 2025 pick would be projected to land in the lottery.

The keys to a Suns victory is simple - keep the rebounding battle close, exploit potential mismatches (Durant vs Harris), and take a healthy dose of three-point looks (Detroit is on the same level from behind the arc). Suns-Pistons is set to tip-off shortly after 2 P.M. Arizona time this afternoon.

Get to know new Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards and what his potential role with the NBA team could be after his trade from the Charlotte Hornets.

The Phoenix Suns head to Capital One Arena to face the Washington Wizards in a non-conference matchup. The Suns are 19-20, which puts them in 11th place in the Western Conference. The Wizards are 6-32, which puts them in last place in the Eastern Conference.

If Nick Richards doesn't help the Suns right the ship this season, they soon may be facing existential questions about the core of their roster.

There are a number of obstacles that need to be overcome for Butler to be wearing a Suns jersey before season's end. For starters, Miami Heat president Pat Riley would likely need to loosen up just a touch. However, it extends much further than that.

Devin Booker and Kevin Durant both went for over 30 points, and Nick Richards shined in his Phoenix Suns debut.

Kevin Durant had 18 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal and three blocks while shooting 6/17 from the field in his first 27 minutes of playing time. The 2014 MVP also made NBA history. Via The NBA: "Congrats to @KDTrey5 of the @Suns for moving into 9th all-time in FREE THROWS MADE!

Durant was on the road in Detroit on Saturday as his Phoenix Suns took on the Detroit Pistons. He showed up to the Suns' game wearing a maroon No. 8 Brian Robinson Jr. jersey. The 36-year-old also boldly predicted that the Commanders would pull off the upset of the Lions, citing the team's newfound identity.