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The Phoenix Suns have secured their starting center for the foreseeable future, agreeing to a three-year, fully guaranteed $38 million contract with restricted free agent Mark Williams, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The agreement, finalized with Williams’ agents Jeff Schwartz and Jordan Gertler of Excel Sports Management, keeps the 24-year-old in Phoenix after the best and healthiest season of his NBA career.
Williams arrived in Phoenix from the Charlotte Hornets during the 2025 NBA Draft and quickly established himself as the Suns’ starting center. After years of injury setbacks, the 7-foot-1 big man appeared in a career-high 60 games, averaging 11 points, eight rebounds and one block in 23.6 minutes per contest. His presence in the middle played a key role as Phoenix exceeded preseason expectations and returned to the playoffs.
The new deal also concludes the Suns’ offseason work with their priority free agents. After reaching agreements with guards Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin earlier in free agency, Phoenix has now retained all three key contributors while maintaining continuity for next season.
Suns Reward Williams After Breakthrough Campaign
Phoenix entered the offseason with the ability to match any outside offer after extending Williams a qualifying offer worth $9.6 million. Instead of allowing restricted free agency to play out, the organization moved quickly to secure a long-term agreement at roughly $12.7 million annually.
The contract reflects Williams’ growth after four NBA seasons. Across his career, he has averaged 12 points, 8.5 rebounds and one block per game, but his 2025-26 campaign marked his first extended stretch of consistent availability. Although a recurring left foot stress reaction sidelined him late in the regular season and kept him out of the playoffs, the Suns remained confident enough in his development to make him a long-term piece.
Williams’ extension comes after Phoenix invested heavily to acquire him from Charlotte, sending two first-round picks to the Hornets in the 2025 draft-night trade. Keeping him under contract protects that investment while preserving stability in the frontcourt.
Phoenix Maintains Stability in the Frontcourt
With Williams returning, the Suns enter next season with a young trio of centers that also includes Khaman Maluach and Oso Ighodaro. Williams is expected to continue as the team’s starting center after holding that role for most of last season.
The agreement also reinforces Phoenix’s offseason strategy of retaining its young talent rather than making sweeping roster changes. By bringing back Williams, Gillespie and Goodwin, the Suns have prioritized continuity as they look to build on last season’s playoff appearance and take another step forward in the Western Conference.
