Phoenix Suns Shock NBA with Double Center Splash PHOENIX, AZ – June 26, 2025 – Just days after the seismic Kevin Durant trade, the Phoenix Suns aggressively addressed their most glaring weakness Wednesday night, executing a bold trade for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams and unexpectedly drafting promising big man Kaman Mole, all within minutes during the 2025 NBA Draft.
The Mark Williams Trade:
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Deal Structure: The Suns sent the No. 29 pick in the 2025 Draft and a future 2029 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for 7-foot center Mark Williams.
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Addressing a Critical Need: Phoenix endured a tumultuous 2024-25 season with a revolving door at center (Jusuf Nurkić, Nick Richards, Mason Plumlee). Acquiring Williams provides stability and high upside for their frontcourt.
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Williams’ Backstory: The trade comes just five months after a proposed deal sending Williams to the Los Angeles Lakers was rescinded when Williams failed his physical examination. The Suns are betting on the 23-year-old’s health and potential.
The Draft Night Surprise: Kaman Mole Falls to Phoenix:
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Unexpected Availability: The Suns, holding the No. 10 pick, did not anticipate Mole being available when they went on the clock.
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Sprinting to the Podium: Seeing the talented big man still on the board, Phoenix swiftly selected Mole, adding another young, high-upside center to their roster within moments of finalizing the Williams trade.
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Strategy: The dual moves signal a clear commitment from new owner Mat Ishbia and GM James Jones to completely overhaul and solidify the center position. The Suns now possess two young, talented bigs in Williams and Mole to build around.
Suns’ Front Office Perspective:
While specific team comments weren’t in the transcript, the aggressive moves speak volumes. Trading a late first-rounder (No. 29) and a distant future first (2029, expected to be late in the round) for a proven talent like Williams, combined with the windfall of Mole at No. 10, represents a highly successful night for Phoenix in addressing their biggest roster hole.
Other Notable Draft Night Moves:
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Utah Jazz Draft Ace Bailey at No. 5: Despite Bailey not working out for the Jazz (or any top lottery team in person) and reported preferences for other destinations, Utah selected the elite scorer. Bailey stated he is focused on basketball: “I can control what I control… me focusing on the basketball and them doing what they doing so it happens.” The Jazz also selected Walter Clayton Jr. later in the first round.
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Memphis Grizzlies Move Up: Traded up to the No. 11 spot to select Cedric Coward out of Washington State.
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Portland Trail Blazers: Selected Chinese center Young Hansen with the No. 16 pick.
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New Orleans Pelicans: Moved up to the No. 13 pick to select Derek Queen.
What This Means for the Suns:
Phoenix Suns Shock NBA with Double Center Splash Phoenix has undergone a dramatic transformation within a week. After moving on from Kevin Durant, they’ve now decisively solved their center problem by acquiring two promising young players in Mark Williams and Kaman Mole. The cost – the No. 29 pick and a protected 2029 first-rounder for Williams – is considered manageable for a player of Williams’ caliber when healthy. The Suns’ focus shifts to integrating their new big men and continuing to build a contender around Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
Key Takeaways:
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Aggressive Suns: Phoenix wasted no time fixing their center rotation after the Durant trade.
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Double Down on Bigs: Landing both Mark Williams (via trade) and Kaman Mole (via draft) provides immediate and future potential at the position.
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Calculated Risk: Acquiring Williams, despite his recent failed physical, shows Phoenix’s confidence in his health and talent.
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Draft Luck: Getting Mole at No. 10 was an unexpected bonus the Suns capitalized on.
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Ace Bailey Lands in Utah: Despite no workout and reported preferences, the talented scorer heads to the Jazz.
Also read NBA Trade Shock: Blazers Land Jrue Holiday in Stunning Deal with Celtics
