Hornets Trade Williams to Suns, Draft Liam McNeeley with No. 29 Pick

As part of the deal, Charlotte also reacquired veteran guard Vasilije Micić.

Big East Men's Basketball Tournament - Quarterfinals — Source: Porter Binks / Getty

The Charlotte Hornets have traded center Mark Williams to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for the No. 29 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and a 2029 first-rounder, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

With that 29th pick, the Hornets selected UConn forward Liam McNeeley.

The 19-year-old freshman averaged 14.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 27 games for the Huskies. Though his shooting percentages (.381 FG, .317 3PT) were modest, McNeeley earned Big East Freshman of the Year and a spot on the All-Big East third team.

As part of the deal, Charlotte also reacquired veteran guard Vasilije Micić, who played for the Hornets during the 2023–24 season before being traded to Phoenix.

This move follows a previously rescinded trade at the deadline that would’ve sent Williams to the Lakers, but that deal was voided due to a failed physical. Despite Charlotte’s dispute of that decision, Williams remained with the team to finish the season.