Suns’ Mark Williams vows to make Hornets regret trade

Mark Williams isn’t hiding his motivation.

Traded from the Hornets to the Suns this offseason, the 24-year-old center made it clear at Phoenix’s media day he plans to make his old team pay.

“Just to be where you’re wanted is always great,” Williams said, via the Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin. “To be here is exciting. Charlotte was ultimately where I was drafted to. There was a belief in me at some point, but once you trade me the first time, it was only a matter of time before I was gone.

“So I knew that was coming. I just intend to make them regret that decision every time I’m on the court.”

Williams was nearly dealt once already — to the Lakers at last year’s deadline — but that trade collapsed after a failed physical. Now, entering the final year of his rookie contract, he comes to Phoenix averaging 12.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks over his first three seasons.

The Suns believe he can be more than just a serviceable big. “His strength gains in the lower body have been off the charts,” GM Brian Gregory said. “His work ethic on a daily basis, off the chart. His attitude, he understood where he was at and where he needed to get to and he’s worked every single day on that.”

Rankin reports Williams is the favorite to start at center, though he’ll be pushed in camp by rookie Khaman Maluach, Oso Ighodaro and Nick Richards.

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