The Phoenix Suns are keen to maintain Mark Williams within the frontcourt combine this offseason, however the group seems hesitant to commit long run because it prepares for a bigger function for heart Khaman Maluach.
In response to Evan Sidery, the Suns are open to bringing Williams again on his one-year qualifying supply however are usually not at present pursuing a long-term contract with the 24-year-old restricted free agent. Sidery additionally reported that the Chicago Bulls are a crew to observe as a possible sign-and-trade vacation spot for Williams.
Williams turned a key a part of Phoenix’s rotation throughout the 2025-26 season after arriving as a younger inside presence. He averaged 11.7 factors, 8.0 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 60 video games, together with 55 begins, whereas capturing 64.4% from the sector in 23.6 minutes per recreation.
The previous first-round choose’s effectivity got here virtually totally from contained in the arc. Williams tried just one three-pointer all season and averaged 4.7 made baskets on 7.3 makes an attempt per recreation, whereas additionally contributing 3.1 offensive rebounds per night time. His potential to create second-chance alternatives helped a Phoenix crew constructed round perimeter scoring.
The Suns completed the 2025-26 common season with a 45-37 report, incomes the seventh seed within the Western Convention and a spot within the Play-In Event. Their season ended within the first spherical after a 4-0 sweep against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Phoenix’s resolution on Williams is tied intently to the event timeline of Maluach. The Suns chosen the 19-year-old heart with the No. 10 total choose and gave him restricted minutes throughout his rookie season, with Maluach averaging 3.0 factors, 2.9 rebounds and 0.7 blocks in 46 video games.
Whereas Maluach was not but a serious contributor, his bodily instruments and long-term upside have created a path for him to ultimately take over as Phoenix’s beginning heart. Sidery famous that the Suns will quickly must “unleash” Maluach in a bigger function, which explains the reluctance to make a serious long-term funding in Williams.
A brief-term return would enable Phoenix to take care of frontcourt stability whereas giving Maluach time to develop. Williams would additionally present a dependable inside possibility alongside a roster led by Devin Booker, who averaged 26.1 factors and 6.0 assists in 2025-26.
