Mark Williams agrees to re-sign with Suns for 3 years, $38 million: Source

The Phoenix Suns and restricted free agent Mark Williams have agreed on a new three-year, $38 million contract, a team source told The Athletic.

The 24-year-old Williams, who has struggled with injuries throughout his four-year pro career, averaged 11.7 points and eight rebounds in 60 games for the Suns last season. He started for most of the season but did not play in the Suns’ four-game series loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs due to a left foot injury.

The Suns acquired Williams in a draft-day trade with the Charlotte Hornets last June. He was previously traded to the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the 2025 trade deadline that February, but the deal was rescinded when he failed his physical with the Lakers.

The Williams deal reflects Phoenix’s intention to run it back next season with roughly the same core. In addition to Williams, the Suns have agreed to terms with rotation guards Collin Gillespie (4 years, $48 million) and Jordan Goodwin (3 years, $19 million).

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The Suns surprised the league in finishing 45-37 last season, but fizzled in the final weeks, mostly because of injuries. They made the Play-In tournament but struggled to advance. They were overwhelmed in a first-round sweep by the West’s top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.

Jalen Green carries the Suns into the final West playoff spot

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While Devin Booker, Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks remain the team’s core, the trio failed to establish chemistry last season, mostly because each player battled health issues. Williams and seasoned guard Grayson Allen also struggled to stay on the court. With better availability, the internal hope is the Suns will be better in their second season under coach Jordan Ott.

Williams, whose 60 games were a career high, was effective early in the season and looked to be a lock to return. Because of injuries, the 7-foot-1 center played in only 10 games after the All-Star break, and his production dropped. His return gives the Suns a rim presence they sorely need, but his health will again be a storyline.

Phoenix’s biggest chance for improvement will likely center on the development of its younger players. Last season, Gillespie and Goodwin both enjoyed breakout performances. Gillespie provided grit and perimeter shooting, while Goodwin set the defensive tone Ott craved. Center Khaman Maluach and forward Rasheer Fleming, both brought along slowly as rookies, are both expected to play bigger roles. The Suns also will try to work in Koa Peat, a forward from Arizona whom they traded up to select with the final pick of the first round in this week’s NBA Draft.

With the Williams deal, the Suns can also use the entire taxpayer midlevel exception in free agency if they decide to decline Jamaree Bouyea’s option or waive Haywood Highsmith.

Mark Williams agrees to re-sign with Suns for 3 years, $38 million: Source

Analyse

2026-06-27 07:58:58