🏀 Mark Williams Trade Grade: Suns Take a Risk, Hornets Reset Center Plans
🔥 Introduction
The Mark Williams trade grade is in — and it’s stirring debate. On NBA Draft night 2025, the Charlotte Hornets traded starting center Mark Williams to the Phoenix Suns for the No. 29 overall pick, a 2029 first-rounder, and Vasilije Micić. While this move surprised many, especially following Williams’ failed trade to the Lakers, it reflects the Suns’ aggressive strategy to rebuild their frontcourt. But did either team truly win?
📦 Trade Details: What Did Each Team Get?
🔁 Phoenix Suns Receive:
- C Mark Williams
- Vasilije Micić
🔁 Charlotte Hornets Receive:
- No. 29 overall pick (2025 NBA Draft)
- 2029 first-round pick (least favorable of PHX/CLE/MIN, top-5 protected)
☀️ Phoenix Suns Trade Grade: B+
🧠 High-Risk, High-Reward Move
The Suns took a gamble, but potentially a smart one. Mark Williams, though injury-prone, averaged 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds last season in just 26.6 minutes per game. His offensive rebounding and rim-running ability make him a perfect pick-and-roll partner for Devin Booker and Jalen Green.
However, the risk is real: Williams has played just 106 of a possible 246 NBA games.
Still, considering what the Lakers were once willing to offer (Dalton Knecht + unprotected picks), the Suns paid far less for a player with elite potential.
🧱 Frontcourt Reinforcements: Enter Khaman Maluach
Phoenix also landed Duke’s Khaman Maluach at No. 10 overall, a defensively gifted center who can complement or back up Williams. Together, they give the Suns a versatile one-two punch — Williams as an offensive force, Maluach as a defensive anchor.
In other words, the Suns bought low on Williams and added insurance. If he stays healthy, it’s a major win.
💵 Cap Reality & Long-Term Play
Williams becomes extension-eligible this summer. Phoenix must decide quickly if he fits their financial vision. Given their tax constraints, this could be a bold but forward-thinking move.
🏀 Charlotte Hornets Trade Grade: B-
🧩 Center Puzzle Continues
The Hornets appear to be resetting their big-man strategy. After Mark Williams’ failed Lakers trade earlier this year, and shipping Nick Richards to Phoenix, they’re left with Moussa Diabaté as the only notable big.
So, this trade leaves Charlotte with questions and holes.
🛠️ Assets Gained, But Value Debated
- No. 29 is a low-value pick, often yielding role players at best.
- The 2029 pick is the least favorable of three teams (PHX, CLE, MIN) — two of which are rising contenders.
In short, the Hornets didn’t gain star-level assets, but they did free themselves from paying Williams a rookie extension amid injury concerns.
🔄 Is Another Move Coming?
Charlotte now holds multiple picks and some cap flexibility. With no clear starting center, it’s likely they target a big in the draft or explore a free agent deal to address the void.
📈 Trade Summary
| Team | Key Gain | Key Risk | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suns | Mark Williams, Frontcourt Depth | Injury History, Cap Impact | B+ |
| Hornets | Draft Assets, Financial Flexibility | No Starting Center, Weak Return | B- |
❓ FAQs – Mark Williams Trade 2025
Q1. Why did the Hornets trade Mark Williams?
They were unlikely to extend him long-term due to injury concerns and chose to gain future draft capital instead.
Q2. What is Mark Williams’ injury history?
He has played only 106 of a possible 246 games due to various injuries.
Q3. Why did the Lakers rescind their deal for Williams?
He failed his physical during the February trade, prompting the Lakers to back out.
Q4. How does this trade help the Suns?
It gives them an offensively skilled center to pair with their young backcourt while also acquiring depth with Khaman Maluach.
Q5. What pick did the Hornets get in return?
The No. 29 pick in the 2025 Draft and a top-five protected 2029 first-rounder (least favorable from three teams).
🏁 Conclusion
The Mark Williams trade grade depends heavily on health and fit. The Suns took a calculated risk, betting on upside and frontcourt synergy with Maluach. Meanwhile, the Hornets chose long-term flexibility over uncertain potential. It’s a strategic fork in the road for both franchises — and only time will reveal which path leads to success.
