PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns go three for three this offseason on key free agents on Thursday, re-signing last year’s starting center. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the franchise has re-signed Mark Williams to a three-year, $38 million deal. He joins Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin as free agents to ink a new deal to return to the Valley.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Questions surrounding Williams return were rampant, as the team was dangerously close to crossing the first apron and deep into the tax. However, the 24-year-old’s return shows that owner Mat Ishbia is willing to pay the price to keep this core together.
Apr 14, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) against the Portland Trail Blazers during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Suns get their big man back:
Feb 10, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) dunks the ball in the first half of the game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
Williams was a restricted free agent, and given his injury history, the market for him scarce. A $12.6 million annual salary average is higher than the $9.6 million qualifying offer. The seven-footer re-signing to that deal gives him long-term security, and the franchise a massive discount for a player of his talents. His 11.7 points per game and 8.0 rebounds are impressive, but the best number is the 60 games played, which is a career high.
Feb 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) against the Portland Trail Blazers in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The deal puts Phoenix around $6 million away from the $223 million second apron with 15 players projected on the roster. The Suns could decline Jamaree Bouyea team option or waive Haywood Highsmith’s partially guaranteed deal. However, the more likely option could be a trade of Royce O’Neale or Grayson Allen to create some space between themselves and the second apron.
Ishbia claimed he wanted the team to stay together, but the cap situation is getting quite close to a disaster. Regardless, Thursday is a day for celebration for fans as Williams, a massive part of last year’s success, returns in surprising fashion.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
