Mark Williams is on the move once again, this time heading from the Charlotte Hornets to the Phoenix Suns. This recent trade, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, sees the Hornets receiving the No. 29 pick in Wednesday’s NBA Draft and an additional first-round pick for 2029.
This deal comes on the heels of the Suns drafting Khaman Maluach, an 18-year-old center from Duke, with their 10th pick, which they acquired from the Houston Rockets in the Kevin Durant trade. They have now added two young centers from Duke to their roster in quick succession.
This marks the Hornets’ second attempt to trade Williams. Earlier this year, they believed they had a deal in place with the Los Angeles Lakers, involving a trade package that included Dalton Knecht and a future first-round pick for 2031. However, that deal was rejected after the Lakers claimed that Williams failed a physical examination, leading to its cancellation. Now, Williams will don the Suns’ jersey as they look to rebuild after the Durant trade.
At 23 years old, Williams is entering his fourth season in the NBA. Last season, he averaged 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, with an impressive shooting percentage of 60.4% from the field. However, he has a history of injuries and has not managed to play over 44 games in a single season yet. While he has attempted only four 3-point shots in his career, his presence in the paint is notable. When healthy, he stands as a 7-foot rim protector and a reliable scorer under the basket.
With this trade, the Hornets are set to gain another first-round pick in addition to the one they already secured by selecting Kon Knueppel with the No. 4 pick in the draft. This adds a strategic layer to their roster-building efforts as they look to create a more competitive team in the future.
This move also clears the way for Jusuf Nurkic to step into the starting role for Charlotte. The Hornets acquired Nurkic from the Suns last season under the assumption that they had traded Williams. Now that Williams is heading to Phoenix, he will help fill the gap left by Nurkic’s departure.
Overall, this trade signifies a strategic move for both teams. The Suns are hoping that Williams can contribute to their rebuilt roster, while the Hornets are positioning themselves for future growth and competitiveness. As the season approaches, it will be interesting to see how these changes impact both teams on the court.
