Proper across the identical time they drafted Khaman Maluach, the Suns agreed to accumulate one other Duke heart, in response to Shams Charania of ESPN, who experiences that the Hornets are sending Mark Williams to Phoenix in alternate for the 2025 No. 29 general decide and a 2029 first-rounder.
Sources tell Charania that the 2029 first-round decide would be the least favorable of the choices managed by Utah, Cleveland and Minnesota and is top-five-protected.
In accordance with 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 crew choice for subsequent season should 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 as a result of considerations about his bodily.
A 7-foot large 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 sport). He shot 60.4% from the sphere and a career-best 80.4% from the foul line.
Nevertheless, well being has been an enormous situation for Williams via three NBA seasons, having performed a complete of simply 106 video games. He additionally has been a destructive defender, significantly when attempting to modify 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 received 19 video games final season, however they had been substantially worse when Williams was on the courtroom (-12.7 internet score) in comparison with when he was off it (-7.7).
Clearly, Phoenix is betting that Williams and Maluach will likely 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.
Apparently, the Suns despatched Josh Okogie and a number of second-round picks to Charlotte in January with a view 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 — one more heart — as a substitute of retaining him.
