Suns Could Trade Mark Williams' Former Teammate After Hornets Deal
Suns Could Trade Mark Williams' Former Teammate After Hornets Deal originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Phoenix Suns are undergoing significant changes this offseason, affecting their roster, coaching, and front office. Following a season in which they went just 36-46, they fired head coach Mike Budenholzer for failing to even reach the NBA Play-In Tournament.
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That proved to be just the first significant move the Suns would make, as they shortly after moved James Jones into an advisory position while promoting Brian Gregory to the general manager position. Gregory and owner Mat Ishbia's relationship goes back to their days together at Michigan State, where Ishbia was a player and Gregory and assistant coach on the 2000 National Championship team.
Memphis Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr. and Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams.Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Suns could trade Mark Williams' former teammate after Hornets deal
Gregory executed a move that was long in the making when he traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 overall pick, and five second-round picks. The Suns used the tenth pick to select Duke center Khaman Maluach.
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The center position was a serious need for the Suns. So much so, that even after using a top-ten pick on a center, the Suns announced they were trading the No. 29 pick and a 2029 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams.
Forbes NBA writer Evan Sidery believes more moves could be made regarding the frontcourt, and it could involve one of Mark Williams' former teammates.
"The Suns could make Nick Richards available after acquiring Mark Williams, per Evan Sidery," Legion Hoops posted on X.
Williams and Richards were teammates from 2022 until mid-January of this season, when the Suns send Josh Okogie and three second-round picks for Richards.
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Williams was part of a significant trade last year that would've sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 pick swap and a 2031 first-round pick. However, Williams failed his physical, and the trade was rescinded.
It remains to be seen what moves Ishbia, Gregory and the Suns have for this offseason, but they've been quite busy to this point and more could be to come later this summer when free agency opens up.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
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