The Phoenix Suns have been the talk of the league since moving Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets to begin the week, and they ensured they remained in the public eye with their draft night antics. They did understand the first part of the assignment to begin the night, netting Khaman Maluach with the 10th pick when it looked like he'd be gone by the time they were drafting.
The Rockets made the pick before ultimately sending him to Phoenix - the Durant trade can't offically go through until July 6th - but it only went downhill from there. The franchise did have a clear need for another center - Maluach and Nick Richards is not a great combination if you're trying to win - so they made an out of nowhere trade that officially sends them in the wrong direction.
Suns reunited Richards with Mark Williams in Phoenix.
On a draft night that didn't have as much movement as predicted - at least early on - it was the Suns who caused a shock by agreeing to trade their 29th pick in the draft (which turned into Liam McNeeley) plus a first-rounder in 2029 in order to bring back center Mark Williams. A physically imposing player to be sure, but one who is injury-prone.
29th pick goes to Charlotte in this trade: Liam McNeeley. https://t.co/7eMqTmSPjS
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 26, 2025
It was the Los Angeles Lakers who infamously tried to trade for Williams at the deadline, only for the deal to fall through because of a failed medical from the 23-year-old. He has been limited to just 106 games across his three seasons in the league so far - and although you can make the case this is a bet on the upside if he can get healthy - the Suns can't afford that luxury right now.
This trade also officially reunites Williams and Richards in The Valley - both began last season with the Charlotte Hornets - which is not a great place to be. Any time you're replicating the lack of success found in Charlotte - but in the tougher Western Conference - it is unclear exactly what you are doing.
Those who follow the league closely know that certain players stuck on poor teams are common throughout the NBA, but it is not as if both these players were can't miss talents stuck in Charlotte. After a hot start Richards has looked every bit the backup he has been throughout his career so far, while the Williams trade should terrify Suns fans.
Giving up on a 2029 first round pick - at a time when Devin Booker might either have left or be in his 30s - does not look like a smart decision either. The Suns are currently stuck thanks to being in the second apron, but right now they're looking directionless. The Durant trade is not ageing well, and this feels like the latest lurch into another crisis.