Full Breakdown
Mark Williams Re-Signs with Phoenix Suns on a Three-Year, $38 Million Deal
6/26/2026, 1:05:27 PM
Core Event: Contract Confirmation
Restricted free-agent center Mark Williams is set to return to the Phoenix Suns on a fully guaranteed three-year, $38 million contract. Negotiations with his Excel Sports Management agents Jeff Schwartz and Jordan Gertler concluded Thursday night, completing the Suns’ effort to lock in the last of their priority free agents.
Background: From Charlotte to Phoenix
Williams was selected No. 15 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, where he spent three seasons. After a trade deadline attempt fell through, the Suns acquired him in a June 2025 draft-night deal. He missed ten games in his first Phoenix season due to a stress reaction in his left foot but still posted a career-high 60 appearances (55 starts) in 2025-26. Averaging 11.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 0.9 blocks and shooting 64.4 % from the field in 23.6 minutes per game, he helped Phoenix exceed expectations, secure a playoff berth as the eighth seed, and improve from 36 wins the prior year to a 45-37 record.
Key Figures & Groups
- Mark Williams – 7-foot-1 center, primary subject of the deal.
- Jeff Schwartz & Jordan Gertler – agents representing Williams through Excel Sports Management.
- Phoenix Suns front office – unnamed executives who finalized the contract.
- Collin Gillespie – guard re-signed to a four-year, $48 million deal.
- Jordan Goodwin – guard re-signed to a three-year, $19 million deal.
- Oso Ighodaro & Khaman Maluach – fellow interior players who will form the post rotation with Williams in 2026-27.
Data & Statistics
- 2025-26 season: 11.7 pts, 8.0 reb, 0.9 blk, 64.4 % FG, 23.6 min, 60 games (55 starts).
- Career averages (166 games, 132 starts): 12.0 pts, 8.5 reb, 1.0 blk, 62.9 % FG.
- Contract terms: 3 years, $38 M fully guaranteed; average $12.7 M per season, with an estimated first-year salary of $11.7 M.
- Cap impact: According to Yossi Gozlan, the deal leaves the Suns $4.3 M under the second-apron hard cap, but $16.4 M above the luxury-tax threshold. Combined with Gillespie and Goodwin, the three players will cost $28.3 M next season.
Official Statements & Responses
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the agreement, noting the Suns “locked in the last of their own priority free agents.” Salary-cap analyst Yossi Gozlan highlighted the financial positioning of the contract, while analyst Evan Sidery called the trio of re-signings “good business from Phoenix,” emphasizing the modest combined payroll for key rotation pieces.
Criticism & Opposition: Health Concerns
Williams’ injury history—particularly a left-foot stress reaction and limited availability in Charlotte (19 games in 2023-24, 44 games in 2024-25)—has prompted caution. Observers suggest the Suns may manage his minutes in back-to-back games to mitigate recurrence risk, noting that the contract price reflects those concerns.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources concur on the contract’s length, value, and guarantee status. No divergent figures or official team comments have been published, leaving the Suns’ internal rationale for the specific salary structure unaddressed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Suns lock in the last of their own priority free agents, finishing negotiations with Williams’ Excel Sports Management agents Jeff Schwartz and Jordan Gertler on Thursday night. First, young guards Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin over the weekend, now Williams.” — Shams Charania
- “Standard raises would start Mark Williams at $11.7 million. This would leave the Suns $4.3 million under the second apron hard cap with a full roster. They’ll go into the season above the first apron and $16.4 million above the luxury tax line.” — Yossi Gozlan, The Third Apron (X)
- “9 million Good business from Phoenix.” — Evan Sidery
What’s Next: 2026-27 Outlook
Williams will re-join Oso Ighodaro and rookie Khaman Maluach in a youthful interior trio, providing continuity as Phoenix targets a deeper playoff run. The Suns’ roster stability, combined with a modest payroll commitment, positions the franchise to focus on strategic additions in the upcoming free-agency period.
