The biggest decision the Phoenix Suns have to make this offseason is what to do with center Mark Williams. The 24-year-old eligible for an extension, which comes with a worrying injury history.
Many believe the franchise should either perform a sign-and-trade or even consider letting the former Charlotte Hornet walk for nothing, but that would present an obvious problem moving forward.
There are no quality bigs on the open market Suns can bring to The Valley
Williams reportedly has his suitors around the league, although how much of that is just his own agent trying to create a bidding war for his services is unclear. Then again, Williams leaving would present the Suns with a problem that the likes of the Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls have right now.
There is a serious lack of starter level quality at the position available this offseason, and even less when you factor in trying to sign a big into any cap space that a team may have. Which most do not, although the Bulls are in a better position than many in that regard.
So while it may be tempting to sign-and-trade Williams for another player with upside and not have to think about how he fits into winning alongside Devin Booker, that could be a mistake. Is it not better to give him another season to prove himself and then trade Williams anyway if it doesn't work out?
The Suns will always be able to find a desperate suitor such as the Los Angeles Lakers who feel they are a big away from winning it all, so they don't need to make a rash decision now. Keeping Williams in town also puts less pressure on Khaman Maluach to produce next season, which is key for his development.
It is clear the raw prospect has something, but expecting the tandem of Maluach and Oso Ighodaro to handle opponents each night will not lead to winning with Booker. Williams has experience and is a bigger and more imposing player (not to mention a better defender) who the Suns can lean on when healthy.
Besides, he just turned in the best season of his career from an availability standpoint, and was a factor in the team making the playoffs. It was unfortunate he couldn't play against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but that is going to be the Williams experience.
You pay him in hopes he can exceed expectations by staying on the court, while also accepting that he is the best available option for the franchise this offseason. The alternative of a Horford or Nikola Vucevic at their advanced ages does not bear thinking about.
