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Suns trade grades for Nick Richards, Nigel Hayes-Davis deal with Bucks
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- Suns trade grades for Nick Richards, Nigel Hayes-Davis deal with Bucks
The Phoenix Suns made a trade at the 2026 NBA trade deadline, sending Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey .
Did the Suns win the trade?
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Check out how NBA writers graded the deal for Phoenix and Milwaukee to get an idea of how the teams fared in the trade.
Milwaukee later traded Richards to the Chicago Bulls .
How did NBA writers react to the deal?
Roster moves: Why Phoenix Suns dealt two players to Bucks before trade deadline
Sporting News : Suns get a B, Bucks receive a C for trade
Stephen Noh writes: "The Suns made this trade for financial reasons. Getting off Richards and Hayes-Davis gets them out of the tax, saving them substantial money."
Clutch Points : Bucks land an A, Suns earn an A- for deal
Jackson Stone writes: "The primary incentive for the Phoenix Suns in this deal appears to have been to get under the next tax apron, which they were able to do by shedding the salaries of Richards and Hayes-Davis. They will also add a player in Anthony who has been quiet for the Bucks this year, but had some moments as an explosive microwave scorer during his days with the Orlando Magic . This will be especially important for the Suns considering that injuries have been a problem for both Devin Booker and Jalen Green so far this year. While this trade isn't necessarily a needle-mover, overall, the Suns were able to help themselves out financially at a relatively low cost."
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SB Nation : Suns receive an A, Bucks get an A- for trade
Ricky O'Donnell writes: "The Suns get under a tax apron without having to include a draft pick. The Bucks use their remaining room beneath the tax to pick up a backup center. I like it for both teams. Milwaukee just needed some more bigs, and while Richards isn't anything special, he's at least serviceable."
Photo mishap: How Amir Coffey is tied to 'disrespectful' Devin Booker photo swap
ESPN : Suns earn an A, Bucks land a B- for deal
Kevin Pelton writes: "In fact, the Suns might benefit if Coffey can get back to the kind of shooting we saw during his final two seasons with the LA Clippers . Coffey hit a combined 40% of his 3s in 2023-24 and 2024-25, starting 13 games both years and averaging 24.3 minutes per game as the Clippers made the 2025 playoffs. Given that track record, it was surprising Coffey could do no better than a nonguaranteed deal with the Bucks. Alas, Coffey struggled with his shot in Milwaukee, going 7-of-25 on 3s and playing fewer than 10 minutes per game. It's possible a change of scenery could revive his performance in a reserve role."
Did the Phoenix Suns win their trade with the Milwaukee Bucks at the 2026 NBA trade deadline?
Fansided : Bucks take a B+, Suns take a C for trade
Ian Levy writes: "The Suns gave up some frontcourt depth to save a bit of money, taking back a pair of guards they don't really need or have minutes for. It may not matter in the long run, but there could be a moment in the playoffs where they wish they had Richards' size or Hayes-Davis' strength and experience on the wing."
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Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com . Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Suns trade grades for Cole Anthony, Amir Coffey deal with Bucks
