Suns vindicated for controversial trade that Lakers refused to make

Phoenix Suns, Jordan Ott | Juan Ocampo/GettyImagesThe Phoenix Suns traded for Mark Williams during the 2025 NBA Draft, a few months after the former Hornets center was almost traded for the first time in his career. The Lakers traded for him shortly after acquiring Luka Don\u010di\u0107, but due to a failed physical, Los Angeles rescinded the deal. Williams finished the season in Charlotte before arriving in Phoenix (for real this time).

Williams didn't play at all during the preseason, not because he was hurt, but because the Suns wanted to play it safe. Phoenix had Williams go through a strength-and-conditioning ramp-up during the offseason so that he'd be in the best possible shape in…