The deadline for teams to strike a rookie scale extension is until the final day before the brand-new 2025-26 season begins, but the Phoenix Suns reportedly won’t reach a deal with one of their key newcomers.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Suns are unlikely to hammer a rookie extension with newly acquired center Mark Williams.
“Phoenix, for example, is not expected to come to terms with recently acquired center Mark Williams. Sources say that the Suns would prefer to bank another full season of data on Williams — hopefully marked by some sustained health after Williams was limited to 106 games in his first three NBA seasons — before committing to a new deal for the Duke product,” Fischer wrote.
Williams was acquired by the Suns this past offseason, surrendering Vasilije Micić, the draft rights to Liam McNeeley and a 2029 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets. The 23-year-old was chosen by the Hornets for the No. 15 pick of the 2022 NBA Draft, making him eligible to sign a rookie scale extension this year.
The big man is a promising one with his length, size and ability to excel in pick-and-rolls. Yet unfortunately, health definitely has been elusive for him ever since his rookie season. Last 2024-25, despite posting career numbers of 15.3 points, 10.2 boards and 2.5 assists, Williams was restricted to just 44 games after battling foot, knee and back complications.
He is yet to make an appearance wearing a Phoenix uniform, as the Suns are cautious to keep him well and available once they kickstart their regular season on Oct. 22 against the Sacramento Kings.
It’s a no-brainer for the Suns not to show a rookie scale offer sheet for Williams to sign, and the young center can only embrace this as a challenge to prove himself in order to be a part of the team’s long-term plans.
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