The Phoenix Suns traded for Mark Williams during the 2025 NBA Draft, a few months after the former Hornets center was almost traded for the first time in his career. The Lakers traded for him shortly after acquiring Luka Dončić, but due to a failed physical, Los Angeles rescinded the deal. Williams finished the season in Charlotte before arriving in Phoenix (for real this time).
Williams didn’t play at all during the preseason, not because he was hurt, but because the Suns wanted to play it safe. Phoenix had Williams go through a strength-and-conditioning ramp-up during the offseason so that he’d be in the best possible shape in time for the season. He was available for opening night, playing 25 minutes in the Suns’ win over the Kings.
So far this season, Williams has played 21 games for Phoenix, including 18 starts. He’s averaging 13 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and a career-high 1.4 steals per game in 24.9 minutes, shooting 65.9% from the field. It didn’t take him long to sway the trade in the Suns’ favor.
When the Lakers traded for Williams, the main consensus was that it was a good move for LA, but the concern was his injury history. So far this season, he’s only missed four games. The 21 that he has played in is already more than Williams played in his second season in Charlotte (19) and almost half of his career best (44).
Mark Williams is a great fit with the Suns
Williams finished with 22 points (7-of-9), seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals in Phoenix’s win over Minnesota on Dec. 8. After the game, he said it all when he called Phoenix “home.” He added that it’s “great to be here” and “good to be wanted.”
Once upon a time, he thought his new NBA home would be Los Angeles, a move that he was excited about. Not only is it a good thing for Phoenix that it didn’t work out with the Lakers, but it sounds like it was a blessing in disguise for Williams.
The Suns had one of the league’s worst defenses last season, ranking 27th. Phoenix’s defensive rating through the first few months of the season is 114.1, 15th in the league. Williams is a reason for the improvement, forcing turnovers, protecting the rim, and even guarding the perimeter. He isn’t a defensive liability, a label that followed him from Charlotte.
On the offensive end, Williams’ true shooting percentage is 69%, putting him toward the top of the league among starting centers.
The Lakers’ front office should wish they could go back and move forward with the trade that they undid, but it’s too late. They’ll have another reminder of what could’ve been when they play the Suns tonight for the second time this season.
Williams looks better in Phoenix, anyway.
