Richardson casts Suns in new light

RALEIGH: The Phoenix Suns acquired guard Jason Richardson and forward Jared Dudley from the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for Raja Bell, Boris Diaw and Sean Singletary on Wednesday.

Richardson, the fifth overall pick in the 2001 NBA draft, was the key to the deal for the Suns, who are looking for a spark following an uneven start to the season that has left them in eighth place in the Western Conference standings.

In 14 games this season, the sharp-shooting Richardson was leading the Bobcats in scoring, averaging 18.7 points, just off his career average.