The Charlotte Hornets are trading center Mark Williams to the Phoenix Suns for the No. 29 pick in Wednesday night’s NBA draft and a 2029 first-round pick, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania.
News of the trade broke as the Suns also took center Khaman Maluach with the No. 10 pick in the draft, a selection they received from the Houston Rockets as part of the Kevin Durant trade last week.
With Williams and Maluch, the Suns hope to solidify a center position that’s been in flux since the franchise traded away Deandre Ayton.
Williams posted career highs of 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds for the Hornets this season, but his year will be most remembered for what didn’t happen.
The Lakers agreed to a trade to acquire Williams shortly after landing Luka Doncic, but Los Angeles ultimately failed Williams’ physical and rescinded the trade.
An athletic big man, injuries have plagued the 7-foot Williams — his 44 games played this year were a career high for the 2022 first-round draft pick.
He’s eligible for a contract extension this summer.
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