Suns' GM Sends Mark Williams Message After Draft Day Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zachary Rainey | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 5:10 PM ET

The Phoenix Suns are currently undergoing changes at nearly every level of their organization. Following a disappointing season in which they went just 36-46 and missed out on any sort of postseason qualification, owner Mat Ishbia initiated changes with the firing of head coach Mike Budenholzer, despite having $40 million still remaining on his contract.

The next change came in the front office when Ishbia moved James Jones into an advisory position to install Brian Gregory as the new general manager. Ishbia was a player and Gregory a coach together on the 2000 National Championship Michigan State Spartans.

Suns' GM sends Mark Williams message after draft day trade

Gregory struck a deal to send Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in last week's draft, and five second-round picks. With the No. 10 pick, Gregory and the Suns selected Duke center Khaman Maluach.

So it came as a bit of a surprise after Gregory and the Suns traded the No. 29 pick and a 2029 first-round pick in exchange for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams. At this past trade deadline, the Hornets had agreed to send Williams to the Lakers, but the deal was later rescinded after he failed a physical.

That didn't deter Gregory, who recently sent a message regarding Williams in Phoenix.

"Mark combines imposing size and and length with a valuable skill set of finishing ability, rim protection, tough rebounding and passing instincts," Gregory said. "He also plays with a tremendous motor and brings intangible qualities that fit our team identity. His addition bolsters us at the center position we are excited to welcome Mark to Phoenix."

Ready to work pic.twitter.com/PgiKHihJXD
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) July 1, 2025

Some thought that the Suns would look to acquire future draft assets this offseason, mostly. However, it appears that Gregory and Ishbia are attempting to reload and remain competitive next season.

While Jalen Green didn't perform in the playoffs as some had hoped, he's still a young player with his best basketball likely in front of him. Devin Booker paired with Green and Williams will be an interesting combination in what projects to be a stacked Western Conference next season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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