It didn't take long for the Charlotte Hornets to get rid of Mark Williams, shipping him to the Phoenix Suns, who once again verified that they are the Hornets' favorite trade partner, in exchange for the No. 29 pick of the draft and a 2029 first-round selection. With the deal, Jeff Peterson and company have shown that they are ready to try contending after a few years of the team finishing near the bottom of the league.
Some might say that Williams might present Charlotte with its best bet to compete against the best teams in the league, but I disagree. While he has been a terrific offensive force and a scary rebounder, especially on the offensive end, his health just isn't where it's supposed to be. Besides, even when at full strength, the young center's defense has been too dismal.
With the Hornets' core players expected to be LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Kon Knueppel, and Miles Bridges and Tre Mann likely to be part of the foundation as well, the squad needs an interior defender who can cover for the possibly weak perimeter defense.
Hornets need a defensive anchor fast
Now, the front office has the unenviable task of finding a new starting center. It might be tough, but at least it managed to take the first step by sending Williams to Phoenix and bringing back two first-round picks in return. The haul, though, doesn't seem to be as good as the package it netted from the Los Angeles Lakers (Dalton Knecht, a pick swap, and an unprotected first-rounder), especially since the 2029 first-round selection it will get from the Suns is the least favorable selection of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Utah Jazz.
Great fit for the Suns, but this is pretty poor value for the Hornets compared to the rescinded trade with the Lakers. The 2029 first-round pick from Phoenix is the least favorable of Cleveland, Utah, and Minnesota.
— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) June 26, 2025
Still, it's hard to imagine the Hornets transforming into an elite squad with a defensively challenged and usually injured Williams anchoring the paint.
Does the trade mean Charlotte will challenge for a playoff spot next season? Probably not, although never say never. However, it should help the struggling franchise rack up more than 19 wins and gradually improve in the years to come. Don't get me wrong; I would rather see the Hornets get much stronger more quickly. But taking shortcuts during the past regime did not provide them with the positive results they had expected.
So, it's better for the team to trust the process, which hopefully includes making sure Knueppel reaches his potential, Miller becomes a star, and Ball turns into an elite playmaker and shot-maker. Of course, that might hinge on finding a superior replacement for Williams that could help them achieve the said goals.