For the second time in less than a year, the Charlotte Hornets have said goodbye to their young center, Mark Williams. This time, however, there will be no returns as the Phoenix Suns agree to take on his contract for the No. 29 pick in the draft and another future first-round pick in 2029.
Full Trade Details
Phoenix Suns Receive: Mark Williams
Charlotte Hornets Receive: 2025 No. 29 pick, 2029 first-round pick
The Hornets tried to move on from Williams back in February, and had a deal lined up with the Lakers for Dalton Knecht. At the last minute, however, the Lakers pulled the plug on the deal and rescinded everything despite the trade being in its final stages. Williams, who thought he was a Laker, begrudgingly went back to Charlotte, and it’s where he’s been ever since.
Now, the Hornets finally get to move on from the young big man in exchange for two draft picks to help continue their rebuild. With LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, they still have their core players, and now they get some assets to add to their growing stockpile. This also eliminates any lingering feelings of animosity about the botched Lakers trade.
For the Suns, this deal would provide them with a significant upgrade in the frontcourt. The team was infamously weak at the center position this season, and while Williams is far from a star, he is a starter-caliber big man who has a noticeable impact on the court. In 44 games this past season, he averaged 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game on 60.4% shooting.
With a chance to prove himself on a team with greater expectations, it will be interesting to see how Williams answers the call. It says a lot that the Suns had no issues with his health or physical, but he’s ready to leave the past behind and begin a new chapter of his career with the right approach.
His size and skills under the rim will provide an important boost for the Suns and give them some much-needed versatility on defense. Bets of all, at 23 years old, Williams is someone who can grow alongside Devin Booker and develop their chemistry together for years to come.
