Mark Williams traded to the Suns: Phoenix bets on size in the paint

The Phoenix Suns made a big move during draft night by acquiring Mark Williams, center for the Charlotte Hornets. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the trade was completed in exchange for the 29th pick in the 2025 Draft and a first-round selection in 2029.

This transaction comes just as Phoenix selected Khaman Maluach with the 10th pick, creating a true revolution in the Suns’ frontcourt. Between the rookie’s 7’2″ and Williams’ 7’0″, the Arizona team adds 14’2″ of height to their interior, which severely lacked rim protection last season.

At 23, Mark Williams comes off his best statistical season with career averages of 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. This athletic 7’0″ center brings the experience and defensive presence that the Suns have been seeking since trading Deandre Ayton.

Williams’ 2024 will be remembered for the bizarre episode with the Lakers. After being traded to Los Angeles following Luka Dončić’s arrival, the center ultimately failed his medical examination, canceling the transfer. This time, Williams definitively leaves North Carolina to protect Devin Booker and his teammates.

To complete this trade, Vasilije Micic returns to Charlotte, coming full circle as he had been sent to Phoenix by the Hornets in the Jusuf Nurkic trade a few months earlier.

The 2029 pick acquired by Charlotte corresponds to the least favorable selection between Cleveland, Utah and Minnesota, with top-5 protection. Despite his qualities, Williams remains physically fragile – his 44 games played this season represent a personal record for this 2022 first-round pick. He will be eligible for a contract extension this summer.

🚨 The Hornets are trading Mark Williams to the Suns for the No. 29 pick tonight and a 2029 1st-RD pick, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/XiT2PvLJKd

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 26, 2025

This double acquisition allows the Suns to finally solidify a center position that has been constantly evolving since Ayton’s departure, while offering future prospects with young Maluach.