Proper across the identical time they drafted Khaman Maluach, the Suns agreed to amass one other Duke heart, in accordance with Shams Charania of ESPN, who studies that the Hornets are sending Mark Williams to Phoenix in alternate for the 2025 No. 29 general choose and a 2029 first-rounder.
Sources tell Charania that the 2029 first-round choose would be the least favorable of the picks managed by Utah, Cleveland and Minnesota and is top-five-protected.
Based on Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Vasilije Micic can also be concerned within the commerce, as he’ll be despatched again to Charlotte, which simply traded him to Phoenix in February. Micic’s $8.1M staff choice for subsequent season must be exercised for that to happen.
Williams, 23, was almost traded to the Lakers on the February deadline, however Los Angeles wound up rescinding that deal resulting from issues about his bodily.
A 7-foot huge man with an unlimited 7-foot-7 wingspan, Williams was productive when wholesome this previous season for Charlotte, averaging 15.3 factors, 10.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 blocks in 44 appearances (26.6 minutes per recreation). He shot 60.4% from the sphere and a career-best 80.4% from the foul line.
Nonetheless, well being has been an enormous subject for Williams by means of three NBA seasons, having performed a complete of simply 106 video games. He additionally has been a damaging defender, notably when making an attempt to change onto smaller gamers on the perimeter.
It’s telling that Charlotte was so decided to maneuver Williams regardless of his very actual upside as a scorer and rebounder. The Hornets solely gained 19 video games final season, however they had been substantially worse when Williams was on the courtroom (-12.7 web ranking) in comparison with when he was off it (-7.7).
Clearly, Phoenix is betting that Williams and Maluach might be long-term solutions within the center. After buying and selling away Deandre Ayton two years in the past, the Suns have been missing dependable play up entrance.
Curiously, the Suns despatched Josh Okogie and a number of second-round picks to Charlotte in January to be able to purchase Nick Richards, whose $5M wage for 2025-26 is non-guaranteed. Including Maluach and Williams may sign that Phoenix will decide to waive Richards — yet one more heart — as an alternative of retaining him.
