The Phoenix Suns have completed a trade sending Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis to the Milwaukee Bucks, acquiring guard Cole Anthony and forward Amir Coffey in return, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports. This move occurred during the current NBA season, impacting both teams’ rosters and salary structures.
The transaction notably reduces the Suns’ payroll commitments, with Richards representing the largest salary exchange at $5 million. By making this deal, Phoenix moves below the luxury tax threshold, potentially avoiding repeater tax penalties after being a tax-paying team in three of the last four seasons, last exceeding the limit in 2021-22.
Player Performance and Role Changes
Nick Richards averaged 3.2 points and 3.3 rebounds this season following his acquisition last year in exchange for Josh Okogie and three second-round draft picks. Over 36 games and 34 starts in the 2024-25 season, Richards posted averages of 9.5 points and 8.6 rebounds, offering a strong physical presence inside. However, under new head coach Jordan Ott, Richards lost his rotation spot behind starting center Mark Williams and the emerging Oso Ighodaro.
Nigel Hayes-Davis, a free agent signing who has spent much of his career abroad since 2018, struggled to earn consistent minutes, averaging just 7.2 minutes in 27 appearances for Phoenix.
Cole Anthony, a 25-year-old combo guard previously with the Orlando Magic, has career averages of 12.0 points and 3.8 assists per game. This season, he contributes 6.7 points and 3.5 assists on 42.4% shooting across 15.1 minutes in 35 games. Amir Coffey, at 28, posted a career-best 9.7 points per game last season with the Los Angeles Clippers but has largely seen limited role time this year, averaging only 8.8 minutes for the Bucks.
Implications of the Trade for the Suns’ Roster
This trade addresses a crucial salary cap issue for the Suns, but it also raises questions about the team’s rotation structure moving forward. The departure of Nick Richards, whose role diminished behind Mark Williams and Oso Ighodaro, was anticipated as both a salary and performance-based decision. While Phoenix did not receive any draft picks in return—after previously trading three second-round selections to acquire Richards—the addition of Anthony and Coffey introduces proven depth to the bench.
The Suns now have more options among their reserves. The question remains whether both Anthony and Coffey will stay on the roster, although there is no immediate need to release either player. This move also creates flexibility for signing Jamaree Bouyea, as the Suns still have an open spot and may offer him a standard contract. Compared to Bouyea, Anthony offers more playmaking but does not stand out as a particularly efficient scorer.
Selected 15th overall in the 2020 draft, Anthony has been a consistent double-digit scorer and starter, but his limited accuracy from beyond the arc has constrained his offensive versatility. Coffey provides additional size and shooting ability, marked by a 40.9% three-point percentage last season during his 13 starts for the Clippers.
The trade could complicate opportunities for players like Bouyea and Jordan Goodwin, both of whom have performed solidly in their roles. Still, it appears motivated largely by financial considerations. Anthony and Coffey serve as insurance pieces, allowing coach Jordan Ott to maintain the current rotation until injuries or performance shifts require adjustments.
Outlook for the Suns Following This Move
By executing this trade, the Suns have taken a strategic step to manage their salary cap and deepen their bench strength. The addition of Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey provides more flexibility and coverage for the season ahead. Monitoring how Jordan Ott integrates these players into the lineup will be crucial, particularly if injuries arise or player performance necessitates changes.
This transaction underscores Phoenix’s focus on balancing roster talent with financial prudence as they aim to remain competitive while avoiding costly luxury tax penalties.
Suns are trading Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis for Amir Coffee and Cole Anthony
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) February 5, 2026
