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ESPN: Hard to see Suns-Mark Williams extension happening before deadline

The deadline for NBA rookie contract extensions is on Monday, and Phoenix Suns big man Mark Williams is among eligible players from the 2022 draft class.

ESPN analysts Bobby Marks and Tim Bontemps dove into extension decisions around the league, and their takeaway for Phoenix was that it is unlikely Williams will receive an extension at this time.

The biggest reason is his injury history, as Williams has played 43, 19 and 44 games in his first three years in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets. The Los Angeles Lakers agreed to trade for Williams at the deadline last year, but the deal was rescinded after he failed a physical.

The Suns went ahead and acquired him on draft night this offseason, dealing two first-round picks to Charlotte to do so.

From Marks:

Williams’ health might be the most scrutinized in the NBA. … After the trade was rescinded, Williams averaged 28.6 minutes, 15.1 points, 10.7 rebounds and a career high 1.3 blocks. He has never played more than 45 games in any season and has missed 116 games with various injuries (back, left foot and thumb). A likely approach is to evaluate Williams this season and then engage in contracts next summer when he is a restricted free agent.

Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro said he does not expect an extension to get done between Williams and the Suns, that Phoenix will likely see how this season plays out. Williams would be a restricted free agent next offseason, giving the Suns a level of control to bring him back if he plays well.

Williams over the past two seasons has averaged 14.5 points, 10 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 blocks per game on 61.5% shooting, showing potential when healthy. He is set to be the starting center for the Suns to start this season with Nick Richards, Oso Ighodaro and No. 10 overall pick Khaman Maluach behind him in some order.

The Suns have been cautious with Williams during this preseason. He has not played in a preseason game, ramping up to 5-on-5 work in practice this week.

If a deal were to happen, Marks laid out a contract with injury protections:

A three-year, $51 million extension. The contract would be a flat $17 million per season and include exhibit 3 (prior injury exclusion that protects the Suns if Williams has a foot or back injury). The last year of the contract would be non-guaranteed but would have a minutes clause that partially or fully protects the salary. For example, if Williams plays in 55 games in 2025-26, 2026-27 and 2027-28, the contract would be fully guaranteed.

The Suns open their season on Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings.

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