The Phoenix Suns are turning the pageâand Mark Williams plans to be part of the next chapter.
After being acquired from Charlotte this offseason, the 23-year-old center told The Arizona Republic that he expects to be fully healthy and ready by Opening Night, even as the team takes a measured approach with his workload in training camp.
âThey traded two first-round picks for me,â Williams said. âIâve talked to everyone from the top down. Iâm doing everything in my power to be able to endure a full season.â
A New Direction in the Desert
The trade for Williams was one of several moves signaling a reset in Phoenix. After the short-lived Kevin DurantâBradley BealâDevin Booker era failed to deliver a deep playoff run, the Suns dealt Durant to Houston for Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks and made additional moves on draft night to reshape the roster around Booker.
Acquiring Williams, a former lottery pick with clear upside but a concerning injury history, fits the franchiseâs shift toward youth and sustainability. The Suns sent two first-round picksâthis yearâs No. 29 and a 2029 selectionâto Charlotte, which used the 2025 pick on Liam McNeeley.
Williams has appeared in just 106 games over three seasons due to recurring foot, knee, and back issues. Heâs been active in every aspect of camp except live five-on-five scrimmages, a precautionary measure as Phoenix focuses on long-term durability.
General manager Brian Gregory said the organization believes in Williamsâ ceiling.
âHeâs 23 years old,â Gregory said during media day. âHeâs shown glimpses of what he can be, and itâs our job to put him mentally and physically in a position to do that on a consistent basis.â
From Rescinded Deal to Revival Shot
Williamsâ career has been anything but linear. Last season, a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers fell through after he reportedly failed a physical, voiding a deal that would have sent Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and future picks to Charlotte. His agent later disputed the medical findings, saying Williams was ready to play.
When healthy, the 7-footer has shown real potential. In limited 2023â24 action, he averaged 12.7 points and 9.7 rebounds, including standout games of 27 points vs. Indiana and 24 rebounds vs. Washington.
Former Hornets assistant coach Rex Walters told The New York Times that Williamsâ development will come down to work ethic and health.
âIâm not going to say top 10⦠but he has the capability,â Walters said. âThe health and level of intensity of his work will determine it. And he knows this.â
A Prove-It Year for Both Sides
Williams enters a pivotal contract yearâif he doesnât agree to an extension by October 20, heâll be a restricted free agent next summer.
âIâm in a good place,â Williams said. âThey have a plan for me to be ready for Opening Night. Iâm excited for that.â
For the Suns, Opening Night represents more than just another seasonâitâs the start of a retooling era centered on Booker, Green, and a new supporting cast. For Williams, itâs the first step toward proving that Phoenixâs gamble was worth it.
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