Based on what has happened in the past week, it's unclear whether the Charlotte Hornets still want Mark Williams.
After his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers was rescinded, the Hornets expressed excitement for Williams' return, even stating that his spot in the starting lineup is waiting for him. However, a recent report noted that the organization is exploring options to dispute the Lakers' decision to fail the big man's physical assessment.
Perhaps Charlotte just wants some form of compensation for the failed trade, which some people have pinned the blame on the Hornets, and their latest action isn't due to not wanting its 2022 first-round pick back. Whatever the case is, Williams is arguably one of the biggest losers of the nixed deal.
Mark Williams' reaction to eventful trade deadline will be interesting to monitor
The question now for the 23-year-old budding star is how he will respond to the recent turn of events.
There is a possibility of him sulking his way out of Charlotte, especially since the franchise appeared willing to give up on him after less than three seasons. In addition, he will now have to fight for minutes with Moussa Diabate and Jusuf Nurkic, if the trade with the Phoenix Suns doesn't get vetoed.
On the other hand, Williams should take solace in the fact that his value is technically worth three first-round picks, as the Hornets got Los Angeles' 2024 first-round selection, Dalton Knecht, a pick swap in 2030, and an unprotected first-rounder the following year.
Hopefully, the Duke University product will use the experience as motivation to stay in tip-top shape, prove he has a clean bill of health, and hone his craft further.
He has also probably heard of the criticisms thrown his way when folks thought he would play for the league's marquee franchise. Among the comments that have often been mentioned is Williams' inconsistency on defense. Hornets fans have witnessed that aplenty, particularly when he was dominated by the guy he was supposed to replace in La Land, Anthony Davis, in Charlotte's latest loss to the Lakers.
Still, Williams has the length and athleticism to become a solid, or even top-notch, defender.
On offense, he has already shown the potential to be an efficient roll man and has also drawn comparison to Nikola Jokic when it comes to playmaking. In the weeks leading to the voided trade, he was putting up impressive scoring and passing numbers.
Already an elite rebounder, Williams' continued development in the other facets of his game can drive up his value, which has likely dipped following the rescinded trade. However, let's not forget that it is contingent on his ability to stay healthy.