PHOENIX – According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Phoenix Suns are trading for Charlotte Hornets big man Mark Williams for two first-round picks and Vasilije Micic. The picks will be the 29th pick in tonight’s first-round pick in the 2025 NBA draft and a 2029 first-round pick that is the worse of MIN/CLE/UTA. After just selecting the best center in the 2025 draft in Khaman Maluach, Phoenix adds a young center in Williams that gives the team some much-needed rebounding and athleticism.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Charania added that the Suns didn’t expect Maluach to be available at the 10th pick, but didn’t want to pass on the Duke center just because of Williams, as they are high on the 18-year-old.
Apr 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) drives to the basket against Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images
What does Williams bring to the Suns:
Williams is a walking double-double, averaging 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds last season with the Hornets. The seven-footer has legit athleticism and amazing feel around the basket for putbacks, recording 3.0 offensive rebounds in 2025. The 23-year-old is on the final year of his rookie contract and has the production and upside for Phoenix to commit long term.
The only thing holding Williams back is major healthy issues. In his first three seasons in the league, Williams has played in only 106 games. Famously, the Los Angeles lakers tried to trade for Williams this past NBA trade deadline but Williams failed the physical and sent back to Charlotte.
Jun 10, 2025; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory during an introductory press conference at the Verizon 5g Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
However, general manager Brian Gregory is taking a massive risk by grabbing an established dominant center in Williams to pair with guard Devin Booker. Massive night for Gregory and the franchise on adding two impact centers in Williams and Maluach onto the roster.
Phoenix Suns select Khaman Maluach 10th overall in 2025 NBA Draft
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
