Kevin Durant speaks for the first time to the newly traded 7-foot Jamaican Man

On Wednesday, the Phoenix Suns Acquired Jamaican-born big man Nick Richards from Charlotte Hornets. The move gives Phoenix some breathing room on its tax bill this season while providing Kevin Durant and Co., very necessarily, the depth of the border amid the struggles of Jusuf Nurkic.

With Durant and the Suns 11th in the Western Conference, half a game behind 10th place Golden State WarriorsThe hope is that Richards will give the team a lift at the midway point of the season.

Richards is averaging 8.9 points on 56.1 percent shooting, along with 7.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game this season. Durant is excited to see what he can bring to the Suns.

AZ Central's Duane Rankin spoke with the superstar about the addition of Richards and what his gritty inside game means for the team as they look to move up the standings.

“He's a strong presence in the paint, a big body that can wreak havoc there and cause some issues with his rim protection,” Durant said Thursday.

“Getting your hands on the basketball on the offensive glass and then finishing above the rim. That's something we've all got to improve on as a group. Hopefully he'll drive us in that zone. Just controlling the paint.”

Kevin Durant wishes Josh Okogie well after Suns-Hornets trade for Nick Richards

While the Suns acquired Nick Richards from the Hornets along with a second-round pick, the team parted ways with Josh Okogie and three second-round picks.

Although Okogie only played 14.0 minutes per game this season, his hard work and tenacity made him a player who was respected not only by the fans, but also by Kevin Durant.

After Wednesday's trade, Durant spoke with Duane Rankin about the impact Okogie's departure will have on the team and wished him well in Charlotte.

“I really liked how Josh approached the game and his love for his teammates,” Durant said. I wish him the best. I'm sure we'll cross paths again. He's a great teammate, but I'm looking forward to having Nick on the team.”

The big question following the Suns trade for Richards is whether the move will be the only one Phoenix makes before the trade deadline. While the acquisition of Richards is expected to bolster the team's backcourt, the consensus is that the Suns need at least one more piece.

Despite Durant's three-headed monster, Devin Booker And Bradley Beal, with the Western Conference as competitive as ever, it may take more than added frontcourt depth to make Phoenix a legitimate postseason threat.