Mark Williams' Top Destinations After Failed Lakers' Trade

Mark Williams may soon be on the move.

According to Evan Sidery, the Charlotte Hornets are once again exploring trade options for their 23-year-old center after a previously agreed-upon deal with the Los Angeles Lakers fell through at the February deadline. 

The Hornets are now seeking a similar return: a young player or late first-rounder in exchange for Williams, who still has two years of team control left on his rookie-scale deal, a $6.2 million salary next season, and an $8.77 million qualifying offer in 2026.

Williams’ stock has cooled slightly after the voided Lakers trade, but that doesn’t mean his value has disappeared. He quietly had his best season yet, averaging 15.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 60.4% from the field in 44 appearances, the highest mark of his three-year career. 

Though durability remains a concern, his blend of rim protection, vertical spacing, and size is still coveted around the league.

So where could he land?

1. Detroit Pistons

The Pistons are a natural fit. With cap space to absorb his contract and a need for a long-term rim protector, Detroit could offer a late first-round pick and a second-rounder, precisely the kind of package Charlotte seems to be targeting. 

While Jalen Duren has blossomed into a legitimate starter, the Pistons are rumored to be shopping Isaiah Stewart and interested in adding stretch bigs like Naz Reid. 

If they decide to lean into a traditional double-big lineup or view Williams as a better long-term piece than Stewart, this makes plenty of sense. His age aligns with Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson, and his low cost gives the team flexibility.

2. Golden State Warriors

If Golden State wants to add a true big man to its aging core, this might be the right move. The Warriors have lacked a real interior presence for years, and Mark Williams would bring a dimension they haven’t had since Andrew Bogut or JaVale McGee. 

The floated deal of Moses Moody for Williams would be a swap of two former lottery picks looking for a better fit. Charlotte would get a wing with upside while the Warriors finally plug a hole in their paint. It’s a low-risk, high-upside swing for both teams.

3. Boston Celtics

If the Celtics move on from Kristaps Porzingis or see Al Horford retire, they’ll need fresh legs up front. Boston was listed as a potential landing spot due to Williams’ team-friendly deal and ability to play drop coverage. 

He wouldn’t need touches offensively, just crash the boards, set screens, and clean up around the rim. In a system with so much perimeter firepower, Williams could quietly thrive as a low-usage anchor.

4. Chicago Bulls

Nikola Vucevic’s decline and the Bulls’ lack of interior depth make them another suitor. With Zach LaVine likely headed out and the team retooling around Coby White and Patrick Williams, acquiring a young, athletic center like Mark Williams could be a smart play. He fits the timeline, fills a positional void, and won’t break the bank. 

If Chicago is willing to part with a pick or young wing like Dalen Terry, there’s a workable deal here.

5. Toronto Raptors

Toronto has reportedly been active in adding pieces around Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, and Mark Williams could be their interior foundation. Jakob Poeltl’s future is uncertain, and Williams would bring youth, shot-blocking, and rebounding to a team looking to climb out of the East’s cellar. 

His age (23) fits their new direction, and his contract gives the Raptors flexibility to add more talent around their budding core.

With the Hornets openly shopping him and his price likely dropping since February, Mark Williams is one of the more intriguing big-man trade targets of the summer.