The Suns make a bold frontcourt statement with Khaman Maluach and Mark Williams.
The Phoenix Suns grappled with size all of last season, a flaw that became too obvious to ignore. While the front office and the coaching staff may not have always seen eye to eye on the severity of the issue, the eventual outcome was clear: their starting center was shipped to Charlotte. That was the first of two deals with the Hornets, the second bringing in backup big man Nick Richards.
Now, on a pivotal draft night, Phoenix addressed the issue with conviction. After landing a surprise talent in 7’2” Khaman Maluach at No. 10, a move that signaled a shift toward interior strength, they doubled down by acquiring Mark Williams, a legitimate starting-caliber center.
BREAKING: The Charlotte Hornets are trading center Mark Williams to the Phoenix Suns for the No. 29 pick tonight and a 2029 first-round pick, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/a6eDDn5aE6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 26, 2025
Yeah. That Mark Williams. The starting center for the Charlotte Hornets. The guy who’s flashed real upside when healthy, now set to anchor the middle for the Phoenix Suns. It’s becoming clear these two franchises share more than just a Pantone swatch when it comes to the color purple. Maybe they’ve just got each other on speed dial.
But in one fell swoop, the Suns did what they’ve failed to do since trading Deandre Ayton: they addressed their size problem with conviction.
Phoenix sent the 29th pick and a future first-rounder, a pick they acquired from Utah that projects as the worst of multiple selections, in exchange for Williams. Attached to the deal? Vasilije Micic, whose $8.1 million team option for next season was on the verge of being declined anyway.
For those keeping track at home: yes, Micic was also acquired from Charlotte. So Brian Gregory just took someone he was likely to cut and flipped him into a starting-caliber center.
Brian Gregory just took someone he was likely to cut and flipped him into a starting-caliber center who makes $1.8 million less https://t.co/yruuWCHcIB
— John Voita, III (@DarthVoita) June 26, 2025
Add that to the 7’2”, 7’7” wingspanned Khaman Maluach, who was selected 10th overall just moments earlier, and you have a clear, undeniable signal: the Suns finally care about size again.
Mark Williams is set to make $6.3 million next season. He brings rim protection, rebounding, and real upside, at a price point that helps Phoenix with their apron issues.
We’ll continue monitoring what Brian Gregory does next. But if night one of the draft is any indication, he’s not waiting around.
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