PHOENIX – One of the biggest surprises of last night’s NBA draft was the Phoenix Suns trading for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams. There was no rumors hinting at Phoenix being interested in the seven-footer, but general manager Brian Gregory paid a steep price for Williams. Gregory sent over the 29th pick in the 2025 draft, a 2029 1st-round pick that is the worse out of CLE/UTA/MIN, and Vasilije Micic.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The move was questioned as the Suns moments prior drafted a center in Khaman Maluach with the 10th pick in the draft. However, even more people were concerned that the franchise overpaid for Williams because of his injury history.
Mar 10, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard DaQuan Jeffries (3) and center Mark Williams (5) react during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
Did the Suns overpay?
There is no question on Williams talent on the floor. The 23-year-old is already one of the most underrated centers in the game, averaging 15.3 points, 1o.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 2.5 assists in 26.6 minutes per game. In his three seasons with the Hornets, Williams had a 34-72 (.321) record compared to the teams overall record in that span of 67-179 (.272).
The former 15th overall pick is an impact player but has missed more games than he has played. Williams has competed in 106 out of 246 possible games, with an array of injuries spanning from back, ankle, knee, thumb and foot. His health became major headlines back in February, when the Los Angeles Lakers tried to trade for Williams, but he failed his physical and was sent back to the Hornets.
Mar 14, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) reaches for a pass over San Antonio Spurs guard Blake Wesley (14) during the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Despite those scares, Gregory sent two first round picks and Micic to Charlotte, which analysts calling it an overpay. Now, The 2025 29th pick is essentially a second-round pick, and based on last season, the 2029 1st-round pick would also likely be near the end of the 1st round. Phoenix was surely going to decline Mimic’s $8.8 million team option for next season, as he only appeared in five games for the team.
Despite that argument, the Suns are in no position to be throwing around assets like those two first-round picks, as the team is limited in draft capital. Williams is a tremendous center and can elevate a roster, but his injury history makes him a massive risk for Gregory to take at the beginning of a rebuild.
Mar 10, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard DaQuan Jeffries (3) and center Mark Williams (5) react during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
The best case scenario for the Suns is that Williams can play over 60 games for the first time in his career and become a reliable running mate for franchise guard Devin Booker. However, it could turn ugly quick via injuries or Williams leaving in free agency next offseason, as he’s entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
