Did the Suns overpay for Mark Williams with two 1st-round picks?

Did the Suns overpay?

There is no question on Williams talent on the floor. The 23-year-old is already one of the most underrated centers in the game, averaging 15.3 points, 1o.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 2.5 assists in 26.6 minutes per game. In his three seasons with the Hornets, Williams had a 34-72 (.321) record compared to the teams overall record in that span of 67-179 (.272).

The former 15th overall pick is an impact player but has missed more games than he has played. Williams has competed in 106 out of 246 possible games, with an array of injuries spanning from back, ankle, knee, thumb and foot. His health became major headlines back in February, when the Los Angeles Lakers tried to trade for Williams, but he failed his physical and was sent back to the Hornets.

Despite those scares, Gregory sent two first round picks and Micic to Charlotte, which analysts calling it an overpay. Now, The 2025 29th pick is essentially a second-round pick, and based on last season, the 2029 1st-round pick would also likely be near the end of the 1st round. Phoenix was surely going to decline Mimic’s $8.8 million team option for next season, as he only appeared in five games for the team.

Despite that argument, the Suns are in no position to be throwing around assets like those two first-round picks, as the team is limited in draft capital. Williams is a tremendous center and can elevate a roster, but his injury history makes him a massive risk for Gregory to take at the beginning of a rebuild.

The best case scenario for the Suns is that Williams can play over 60 games for the first time in his career and become a reliable running mate for franchise guard Devin Booker. However, it could turn ugly quick via injuries or Williams leaving in free agency next offseason, as he’s entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025.