Suns' Mark Williams has shoulder surgery, out months — SkimNews
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Mark Williams underwent surgery Thursday to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder and will miss several months, per sources cited by ESPN's Shams Charania.
- Williams suffered the torn labrum in a recent offseason workout, derailing the start of his season after signing a fully guaranteed three-year, $38 million deal to return to Phoenix in free agency.
- Williams, 24, was coming off the healthiest season of his four-year NBA career, appearing in 60 games — a career high that surpassed his previous best of 44.
- Williams averaged 11.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 23.6 minutes per game last season while serving as Phoenix's starting center.
- Williams arrived in Phoenix via a 2025 draft-night trade from Charlotte, after the Hornets' earlier attempt to trade him at that year's trade deadline was rescinded.
- Williams helped Phoenix exceed preseason expectations and earn a playoff berth, with career averages of 12 points, 8.5 rebounds and one block per game.
- The $38 million contract is fully guaranteed despite Williams now facing a multi-month absence, raising the stakes on his recovery timeline for the Suns.
Why it matters: The Suns guaranteed $38 million to Williams — their new starting center — just before a torn labrum wiped out his offseason and threatens several months of the regular season, leaving Phoenix without the player who anchored its surprise playoff run.
Ask SkimNews
