Suns finalizing deal to bring back Mark Williams on $38 million, 3-year deal, AP source says

PHOENIX (AP) - The Phoenix Suns are finalizing a deal to bring back center Mark Williams on a $38 million, three-year deal, a person familiar with the negotiations said on Thursday.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal - first reported by ESPN - has not been announced.

The 24-year-old Williams was a restricted free agent after scoring 11.7 points and grabbing eight rebounds per game last season. The 7-foot-1 big man played his first three seasons with the Charlotte Hornets before he was traded to the Suns in a draft day deal in 2025.

Williams - who was the No. 15 pick in the 2022 draft - has battled injuries throughout his career, but played in a career-high 60 games last season, including 55 starts.

He shot 64% from the field and averaged nearly a block per game.

The Suns have been busy over the past few days, re-signing several key pieces from last season. Collin Gillespie agreed to a $48 million, four-year deal last week while Jordan Goodwin agreed to a contract worth $19 million over three years.

During the draft earlier this week, the Suns moved up to grab Arizona native Koa Peat with the No. 30 selection.