Sad news: Nick Richards  is out of the season

The New York Knicks have had Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards “on their radar this offseason,” per James L. Edwards III of The Athletic.

Edwards relayed that news amid an article exploring three hypothetical Knicks trades for big men in light of news that center Mitchell Robinson could miss the first two months of the season to rehab from offseason surgery on his left ankle.

In the Richards trade, Edwards had the Knicks sending Miles McBride and Keita Bates-Diop to the Hornets for Richards and a future second-round pick.

“Richards, who league sources tell The Athletic is someone the Knicks have had on their radar this offseason, is a big, physical specimen with a good motor. He rebounds OK, too, and can be disruptive at the rim. McBride, though, is the best player in this deal, so I’d be hesitant to do this particular trade if I were running the Knicks’ front office, even if it addresses a need.”

One other trade had the Knicks getting Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart (and two future second-round picks) for Robinson, McBride and a 2025 first-round pick (via Detroit). The other saw the Knicks receive Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler for McBride and a 2025 first-round pick (via Detroit).

The seven-foot, 245-pound Richards, who is 26, has played his entire four-year career with the Hornets. He started 51 of his 67 games last season, averaging 9.7 points on 69.1 percent shooting, 8.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. Richards also notably has a very friendly contract, with $5 million due his way each of the next two seasons before free agency hits in 2026.

It’s understandable why the Knicks would have interest in Richards (or any potential big man). In addition to Robinson’s injury, the Knicks have to fill the gap left by Isaiah Hartenstein, who left in free agency for the Oklahoma City Thunder on a three-year, $87 million contract.

The Knicks do have players who can fill time at the 5, including Randle (when he’s not manning power forward), Precious Achiuwa and Jericho Sims. But it’s been reported that the Knicks have been in contact with other teams. Ian Begley of SNY had more.

As far as backup centers and the trade deadline, I know the Knicks talked to Atlanta this offseason about a deal involving Capela. The Rockets want to win so if they are in a good place heading into the trade deadline, I’d be surprised if they moved Adams.

“I’d keep an eye on Nick Richards in Charlotte as a possible trade candidate. Same goes for Walker Kessler in Utah. As ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted, Robert Williams is a name to monitor. Maybe Jonas Valančiūnas?”

We’ll see if the Knicks make a move after the Robinson news broke. In the meantime, New York is trying to build off a 50-win season that led to back-to-back second-round playoff appearances for the first time since 1999 and 2000. Game 1 is Oct. 22 at the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics