Mark Williams isn’t sugarcoating how he feels about the Hornets. After being traded, the young big man admitted the writing was on the wall from the moment Charlotte first moved him, and he’s now using that as fuel to prove them wrong.
“To be where you’re wanted is always great,” said Williams, via Shane Young. “So to be here, it’s exciting. Once you traded me the first time, it was only a matter of time before I was gone. I just plan on making them regret that decision every time I step on the floor.”
The NBA is a business, and no player is safe from a mid-season move. Luka Doncic is the perfect example of this, and Mark Williams also learned the lesson from personal experience after last season’s trade debacle between the Hornets and Lakers.
At 23 years old, Williams is a young NBA big man with career averages of 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game on 62.2% shooting. He played his first three years with the Charlotte Hornets, serving as their starting center for the past two seasons.
Of course, that didn’t stop Charlotte from trying to trade Williams back in February. While the Lakers were seeking a big man to pair with the newly acquired Luka Doncic, the Hornets became involved in active negotiations, offering Williams for a package of Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 pick swap, and a 2031 first-round pick.
The trade reportedly reached a verbal agreement, and it went far enough that all players involved travelled to their new teams. So when the Lakers suddenly rescinded the deal, it was a shock to everyone, not the least of which Williams himself. Not only did the Hornets not want him, but the Lakers rejected him as well in a classic case of buyer’s remorse.
At the time, the Lakers claimed that Williams failed his physical exam, which nullified the deal and sent everyone back to their original team. The Lakers had to go play without a starting center, and they moved on from Williams altogether. While the young center claims there were ulterior motives behind the decision, we may never know the full story.
Now, Mark has a chance to get revenge in a brand new situation. This time, with the Suns, Williams will get to compete in meaningful games, and he’ll get a chance to prove his worth. Alongside Devin Booker and Jalen Green, Mark Williams will have an abundance of opportunities, and his play may just determine how far they go.
With a chip on his shoulder and another year of experience under his belt, this season could be the one that sees Williams realize his potential as one of the best young centers in the league. If so, it could make the Lakers feel some regret for letting him go when they had the chance to add him.
This summer, Mark Williams has made it clear he’s out to prove a point. The Hornets may have given up on him, but with the Suns, he’ll have a prime opportunity to flip the narrative and show why he’s worth building around. If he delivers on his promise, Charlotte won’t just regret trading him; they’ll have to watch him thrive in a bigger spotlight.
