New Rear Hub recommendation needed

A mate currently has a 9 speed Shimano Deore hub (cone & bearings) but wants to change it to something that has cartridge bearings (he’s not into maintenance & keeps destroying hubs)..Is there a direct replacement without the need to change the spokes etc

nope. You’ll need a rebuild and most wheelbuilders will use new spokes regardless or not if they are the correct length…its just not worth the hassle.

Look towards hope/DT Swiss in the sealed depo.