Suns Land Mark Williams in Draft-Night Trade with Hornets, Bolstering Frontcourt

The Phoenix Suns continued a busy offseason with a bold move on Draft night, reportedly acquiring Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams in a trade designed to fortify their frontcourt — an area of concern throughout their 2024-25 campaign.

The Deal:

• Suns receive:
   Mark Williams (C, 7’0”, 23 years old)

• Hornets receive:
   Vasilije Micić
   2025 first-round pick (No. 29 overall)
   2029 first-round pick (least favorable of Cleveland, Utah, and Minnesota)

A Big Swing for the Big Man

Williams, a former Duke standout and first-round selection, averaged 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks last season when healthy. However, “when healthy” has been the asterisk on his young NBA career. He’s played just 106 games over three seasons, limited significantly by back issues that have plagued his development.

Still, Phoenix appears willing to bet on his upside, especially after a frustrating season that saw them miss the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Their earlier acquisition of Nick Richards didn’t solve their rim protection issues, and adding Williams gives them a young, mobile, shot-altering big with offensive touch.

A Draft-Night Double Down

The Suns also made headlines earlier in the night by selecting Duke center Khaman Maluach with the No. 10 pick, part of the blockbuster Kevin Durant trade. The 7’1” Maluach joins a suddenly crowded frontcourt rotation that now includes Williams, Richards, and veteran Jusuf Nurkić (if retained).

It’s a clear signal: Phoenix is getting bigger, younger, and more defensive-minded, recalibrating from a top-heavy, star-driven model that fell short of expectations.

Hornets Reset and Rebuild

For Charlotte, the move marks a pivot toward the future. Vasilije Micić, a 30-year-old Serbian guard and EuroLeague MVP, adds depth and experience. But more crucially, the Hornets add two first-round picks — one this year (No. 29) and another in 2029 — as they continue restructuring around their young core of Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball, and now rookie swingman Ja’Kobe Walter.

Williams’ trade also resolves lingering tension. He was nearly traded to the Lakers last season, but that deal collapsed after he reportedly failed his physical due to back concerns. The Hornets welcomed him back awkwardly, but it was clear a long-term future in Charlotte wasn’t likely.

Will the Gamble Pay Off?

It’s unclear whether Phoenix reviewed Williams’ updated medicals before finalizing the deal, but the Suns’ front office is clearly willing to take a risk. If healthy, Williams offers a modern NBA big profile: athletic, efficient around the rim, and disruptive on defense.

Paired with Maluach, Phoenix suddenly has one of the highest-upside young frontcourts in the league — but also one of the riskiest.