Suns, Hornets Announce Mark Williams Trade

The Phoenix Suns are adding more size to the middle, acquiring 7-footer Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in a trade that was made official by both teams on Monday. 

In exchange, Charlotte will receive veteran guard Vasilije Micic, the No. 29 pick in the 2024 draft (used on Liam McNeeley), and a 2029 first-round pick — the least favorable of selections owned by the Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Minnesota Timberwolves. The Hornets are also getting a 2026 second-rounder (least favorable of Golden State and Denver), while the Suns will get the more favorable of those same second-round picks.

Charlotte also sent Phoenix its own 2029 second-rounder to help balance the deal, replacing what was initially expected to be a swap of second-round picks.

Williams, 23, gives the Suns a potential long-term presence at center after a revolving door at the position. Phoenix now pairs Williams with 7-foot-2 rookie Khaman Maluach, whom they drafted just moments after the Williams deal came together on June 25.

The move is not without risk. Williams has played just 106 games over three seasons due to a variety of injuries and was nearly dealt to the Los Angeles Lakers in February before that deal fell apart over concerns about his physical.

Still, Williams has flashed serious upside when healthy, averaging 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks this past season while shooting over 60% from the field and a career-best 80.4% from the line.

Defensive limitations — especially when switching — and a net rating of -12.7 when on the floor last season raised some internal alarms in Charlotte. Still, the trade signals a notable shift. Despite another losing season, the Hornets moved on from Williams in favor of future flexibility and additional picks.

Micic, meanwhile, returns to the Hornets just five months after being traded to Phoenix. The Serbian guard’s $8.1 million team option for 2024-25 will be picked up to facilitate the deal. At 30, Micic offers experience and playmaking off the bench for a young Charlotte squad still searching for backcourt stability behind LaMelo Ball.