CHARLOTTE, N.C. β The Charlotte Hornets are reportedly trading center Mark Williams to the Phoenix Suns for two first-round picks, including a second selection in Wednesday night’s first round.Β
It’s the second time Charlotte has traded Williams this year. A deal with the Los Angeles Lakers fell through. The Lakers agreed to trade rookie Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish along with draft considerations to get Williams, a third-year center. Los Angeles needed a big man to replace Anthony Davis, who was traded to Dallas along with Max Christie for Luka Doncic.
Wednesday’s trade now gives Charlotte an additional draft pick as general manager Jeff Peterson looks to build a young core around LaMelo Ball.Β
The Hornets picked Duke star Kon Knueppel with the No. 4 pick, opting for a sharp-shooting wing who can be a secondary ball handler in relief of Ball.Β