The Phoenix Suns have made a decisive move by securing center Mark Williams with a three-year, $38 million extension. This effectively puts to rest any rumors of a potential sign-and-trade involving the 24-year-old, at least for now. Williams, who previously donned a Charlotte Hornets jersey, can take comfort in knowing he'll be the starting center for the Suns next season, especially with a deal that's fully guaranteed.
The Suns' strategy shines even brighter in light of Milwaukee Bucks' decision to hold onto Myles Turner. Turner, who once graced the NBA Finals with the Indiana Pacers, seemed like a viable target for the Suns, especially as the Bucks embark on a rebuild following the trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, Marc Stein reports that Milwaukee is not interested in parting with their big man, reinforcing the Suns' decision to retain Williams.
While Williams does come with some injury concerns, his contract's structure and the scarcity of quality big men in the league make him a valuable asset. The Suns can pivot and trade him if necessary, particularly as Khaman Maluach continues to develop. Letting Williams go would have left the Suns with Maluach and Oso Ighodaro as their primary options at center, which could have been problematic given Ighodaro's tendency to play as a four in many lineups.
It's not too distant a memory when players like Drew Eubanks and Mason Plumlee were logging significant minutes for the Suns. In comparison, a healthy Williams is undoubtedly an upgrade.
As the market for centers remains tight-with few free agents available and teams like Milwaukee holding onto their assets-the Suns' decision to bring back Williams is a savvy one. It ensures they remain competitive and have a solid foundation to build upon as they aim for a playoff run next season.
In Other News...
Miles Bridges Arrival Could Set Up The Suns Move Fans Want
Miles Bridges arrival gives Phoenix a little more breathing room on the roster, and that matters because the Suns have been operating with a very specific kind of opportunity in mind. Any opening created now only adds more oxygen to the speculation around what this team wants to do next, especially with Devin Booker still sitting at the center of the roster picture and the front office continuing to look for ways to reshape the guard rotation.
For fans, the obvious temptation is to connect every new move to a bigger upgrade at point guard, but the landscape is not as clean as it looks. Some names are suddenly back in play because of the opening, while other popular ideas have already been cooled off, leaving Phoenix with a handful of different paths and no clear public answer yet on which one it intends to follow. [Read more 🡒]
Suns Just Made Their Backcourt Priorities A Lot More Clear
With the offseason market still churning around the league, Phoenix appears to have a better sense of where it wants to spend its energy. The Suns are trying to extend Miles Bridges after bringing him in from Charlotte, and they are also weighing several shooting guards in free agency as they look to steady a backcourt that could use more certainty.
The bigger takeaway is how sharply the club seems to be drawing its line. While other teams are being linked to major trade possibilities involving names like Jaylen Brown, Kawhi Leonard and Khris Middleton, Phoenix is leaning toward a more measured approach with its own roster construction. For a team trying to balance star power with fit, that kind of clarity can matter just as much as the splashiest rumor. [Read more 🡒]
Suns Search For Another Guard Just Took On More Urgency
The Suns guard search became a little more pressing after a busy stretch of roster work left Phoenix with an opening to fill. With several players re-signed and Miles Bridges brought in via trade, the front office now has room to add another backcourt piece, and the timing lines up with a clear need to shore up depth around the perimeter.
Arizona Sports John Gambadoro reported that Phoenix is expected to use its taxpayer mid-level exception to chase a fourth guard in free agency, giving the team a workable path to do it without overextending. The list of possible fits spans different skill sets, from shooting and secondary scoring to defense and familiarity with the roster, which is why this remains one of the more interesting items on the Suns summer board. [Read more 🡒]