The Phoenix Suns have been at the forefront of trade conversations over the past few weeks regarding Kevin Durant, and they carried that momentum into the draft. ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported during the first round that Charlotte traded Mark Williams to Phoenix for the No. 29 pick and a 2029 first-round pick. Jake Fischer added that the Suns are sending Vasilije Micic to the Hornets as part of the deal.
The news broke shortly before the Rockets (AKA the Suns) selected Khaman Maluach with the No. 10 pick, which they traded to Phoenix as part of the Durant deal. The Suns went from searching for a starting-caliber center to having two in Williams and Maluach, both of whom ironically went to Duke.
Los Angeles traded for Williams before the 2025 deadline, or at least, that's what everyone thought. The Lakers rescinded the deal because of a failed physical, which sent Williams back to the Hornets. Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 pick swap, and a 2031 first-round pick went back to LA.
Williams finished the season in Charlotte, but it seemed likely that he'd be on the move this summer, but for real this time. Phoenix paid a high price for the center, which was an interesting decision, considering his injury history and health led to Los Angeles voiding its trade.
Suns acquire Mark Williams in draft night trade with the Hornets
Williams averaged 12.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game for the Hornets during his three seasons in North Carolina, shooting 62.2% from the field. The biggest issue with the 23-year-old is his availability, as he didn't play more than 44 games in a single season for Charlotte.
He isn't a bad player by any means, hence why the Lakers wanted him, until they didn't. It's discouraging that Phoenix sent a first-round pick to Charlotte for him, especially after the debacle between the Lakers and Hornets in February. Luck hasn't been on the Suns' side over the past couple of years, so while fans want to be hopeful about acquiring Williams, concerns about his health are overriding their optimism. Availability is the best ability, after all.
It helps that Phoenix has Maluach, who slid down the draft board, but hopefully, the Williams trade doesn't age poorly.