While the performance of the Hornets' starters deserves boundless praise, immense context is necessary. Utah was down their four leading scoress, Lauri Markkkanen, Colin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, and John Collins, opening up opportunities for unheralded guards Keyontae George and Brice Sensabaugh to dice the Hornets' defense.

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The Charlotte Hornets stole a win on the road against the Utah Jazz, 117-112. This win was powered by what fans and media like to call the core four. The group featuring LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Mark Williams,

Nick Richards walking out the door opens up a world of possibilities for Moussa Diabate. The center on a two-way deal made waves with his early season output as he tormented opposing big men on the boards with relentless energy and inch perfect positioning on long rebounds.

The Hornets are sending Richards and a second-round pick to Phoenix for Josh Okogie and three second-round picks, league sources confirm to The Observer on Wednesday. The Observer reported the mutual interest between the two teams while the Hornets were in Arizona on Sunday.

The 27-year-old Richards, who is averaging 8.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game this season, could be the Suns' new starting. center.