Hornets Blockbuster Trade of Mark Williams With Suns Finally Official

What began as a chaotic saga involving failed physicals, rescinded deals, and anxious waiting has finally reached a definitive conclusion: Mark Williams is no longer a Charlotte Hornet.

The trade sending the 7-foot center to the Phoenix Suns is officially finalized, bringing clarity to what was once one of the messiest subplots of the Hornets’ rebuild. With the NBA Draft and trade deadline drama now in the rearview, Hornets fans can finally assess the full scope of the return: a 2029 first-round pick, veteran point guard Vasilije Micić, and top-30 prospect Liam McNeeley, selected 29th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Charlotte’s front office, led by new executive vice president Jeff Peterson, flipped uncertainty into opportunity. This move, combined with prior trades involving Cody Martin and Nick Richards has effectively turned a once-clogged frontcourt into a wellspring of assets.

It wasn’t always this certain. Williams, a 2022 lottery pick once pegged as Charlotte’s rim-protecting anchor, was initially traded to the Lakers at February’s deadline. But the deal was voided after he failed his post-deadline physical, sending him awkwardly back to the Hornets.

The second attempt, consummated during the NBA Draft, also came with questions. Would Phoenix back out due to health concerns? Would the league intervene? But as of today, the ink is dry. There’s no turning back.