A few hours before this year's trade deadline, the Phoenix Suns traded Nick Richards, along with Nigel Hayes-Davis, to the Milwaukee Bucks for Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
This is a pretty minor trade in the grand scheme of things, but it's important to note that Indiana had reportedly had interest in acquiring Richards last summer as it looks to address its bleak center situation. With Richards now on his way to Milwaukee, the Pacers will have to look elsewhere to address their biggest concern.
Pacers still need answers to their center questions
Ever since Myles Turner joined the Bucks last offseason, there have been concerns about what Indiana's center situation would look like. And a few months into those seasons, those concerns are still valid.
The Pacers traded for Jay Huff from the Memphis Grizzlies after Turner's departure. And all things considered, it's been a huge hit for Indiana. Huff has had a lot of good moments this season, including a 29-point, nine-rebound performance against the New Orleans Pelicans on Jan. 16. But is he good enough to be the Pacers' starter when they are ready to re-enter the title picture? Probably not.
Additionally, Isaiah Jackson has mostly been a huge disappointment this season. He's been solid for the most part, but given that he was Indiana's starting center on opening night and has since been relegated to the bench, he's leaving a lot to be desired.
Would acquiring Richards have solved the Pacers' problems? No. But it could have at least given them another option to audition, which has been crucial for them this season.
Richards isn't a household name, and he's never going to be an MVP candidate, but there were reasons to like his potential fit in Indiana. He is a solid paint presence on both sides of the ball and is a good rebounder. Additionally, he plays with a lot of energy and could have at least been solid depth for the Pacers.
Indiana isn't going to rue the day it let the Bucks acquire the Kentucky alum, but its main problem remains: it still needs to figure out what to do at center. Richards is teaming up with the team's old pal in Milwaukee while they figure out how to move forward. And with the trade deadline just a few hours away, they seem to be running out of options.