The Phoenix Suns recently brought back center Mark Williams on a three-year, $38 million extension, putting to an end for now the speculation that they would be open to a sign-and-trade with the 24-year-old.
The former Charlotte Hornet still has one big decision left to make, but can be satisfied with the fact he will be starting for the franchise next season on a deal that is surprisingly fully guaranteed.
Myles Turner not being made available makes Suns look even smarter
We recently put forward the motion that Myles Turner of the Milwaukee Bucks should be a target for the Suns, as they are heading into a rebuild after trading Giannis Antetokounmpo and Turner surely wants to get back to contending again having tasted the NBA Finals with the Indiana Pacers.
Only according to Marc Stein on his always informative substack, Milwaukee currently has no interest in letting their own big man go. This is further proof to those Suns fans who were unease bringing back Williams that getting a starter calibre center is hard to do, and Williams still fits that bill.
He remains an injury risk and will miss time next season, but the nature of his contract and the lack of quality big men in the NBA means they can move him down the road if required. Which is surely the long-term play here as Khaman Maluach continues to improve.
But the prospect of starting next season for a roster with hopes of making the playoffs again having Maluach and Oso Ighodaro as their only recognizable fives (and Ighodaro is a four in a lot of lineups) would have been a disaster. Which is why would have happened if they'd let Williams walk or executed a sign-and-trade, with Turner just the latest name who seemingly won't be on the move.
You don't need to go back that far to remember the likes of Drew Eubanks or Mason Plumlee playing actual minutes for the franchise, and we can all agree Williams when healthy is an upgrade on that.
So at a time when Turner is the latest center who won't be getting traded, and with free agents at the position virtually impossible to sign thanks to getting their offseason work done early and their cap situation, having Williams return to Phoenix was the right decision.
Turner is a player they should continue to monitor as he would be a perfect foil to Devin Booker, but for now at least that won't be happening.
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