Suns make Mark Williams trade with Hornets official
The Phoenix Suns on Monday announced the completion of their trade with the Charlotte Hornets centering around veteran big man Mark Williams.
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The Phoenix Suns on Monday announced the completion of their trade with the Charlotte Hornets centering around veteran big man Mark Williams.
“Mark combines imposing size and length with a valuable skill set of finishing ability, rim protection, tough rebounding and passing instincts,” Suns general manager Brian Gregory said in a press release.
“He also plays with a tremendous motor and brings intangible qualities that fit our team identity. His addition bolsters us at the center position, and we are excited to welcome Mark to Phoenix.”
A new paint presence in the PHX 😤 pic.twitter.com/kL3dcXNFux
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) June 30, 2025
In addition to Williams, the team got back its 2029 second-round draft pick from Charlotte in exchange for guard Vasilije Micić, the draft rights to rookie small forward Liam McNeeley and a 2029 first-rounder (the least favorable of Cleveland, Minnesota and Utah).
Williams is coming off his third season with the Hornets where he set career marks in points (15.3), rebounds (10.2), assists (2.5) and blocks (1.2) per game. He has one year left on his rookie deal and is set to make $6.3 million next season before becoming a restricted free agent.
Vasilije Micić heads to Charlotte in Phoenix’s Mark Williams trade
The 31-year-old Micic was acquired by the Suns at the trade deadline from the Hornets in the Jusuf Nurkic deal. Part of that package included wing Cody Martin, who the team has decided against retaining. Phoenix also gave up a 2026 first-round pick, which more and more looks like the price it had to pay in what was effectively a salary dump.
Nurkic was most recently dealt to the Utah Jazz in exchange or guard Collin Sexton and a 2031 second-round pick.
Micic, unlike Martin, never got a crack in the rotation. He played a total of 21 minutes for the Suns.
The 2014 second-round pick didn’t come over to the NBA until 2023, continuing to dominate European leagues as one of the best pros overseas. He was originally with the Oklahoma City Thunder, who traded him to Charlotte in February 2024 as a part of the Gordon Hayward deal.
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Comments
3 Comments
I'm confused.
We sent the hornets Nurkic and the 2029 pick for martin and Vicic.
We sent the hornets 2 2nds (or was it 3) and Okogie for Richards.
We sent 2 firsts (late 2025 and another late one) and Vicic for Williams, a 2nd and our first back, and draft rights to a small forward?
So essential we traded Nurk, Okogie, 1 2026 first, another late first and a second, for Richards, Williams and Martin (who is not cut)?
They hope it confuses other teams as much.
Yep. But don't think too hard, it hurts too much; that was so 3 coaches ago, remember? Wait till McNeeley blows up, it's only gonna get worse. Which is why this confused me at first. Why get a recycled injury guy when ya got two cheap centers, drafted one and could use a big 3 that can score? Which the Suns could use? I get it, Maluach isn't going to be ready for at least a year, but still, ya got 1 pg (now) 5 two's, 3 fives and what? Bol Bol, Ty Ty and by by to Martin? Fleming and Oso as 4's, play Allen and Royce as a 3 with Dunn?
I'm just as confused as you brother...