According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Charlotte Hornets are trading Mark Williams to the Phoenix Suns for the 29th pick in this draft and a first round pick in the 2029 NBA Draft.

In a follow-up Tweet, Charania noted that the Hornets will be receiving the least favorable pick of the Cavaliers, Timberwolves, and Jazz.

The Hornets tried to trade Mark Williams at the trade deadline, but he “failed a physical” with the Lakers and returned to Charlotte. Clearly he was not part of the long term plans and has now been sent out to Phoenix to reunite with Nick Richards. The Suns also just drafted Khaman Maluach, so they suddenly have a surplus of rim running bigs that can’t shoot.

Williams is coming off his third season, which he finished healthy after numerous injury issues from the start of his career. He averaged a double double and had a few huge offensive games, but the defense that he was supposed to provide was hot and cold with too much cold.

The Hornets now have the 29th, 33rd, and 34th pick in the draft. That’s a lot of players to add all at once, so it’s very possible that more moves are in the cards.

UPDATE: As part of the deal, the Hornets are reacquiring Vasilije Micic from the Suns.