NBA Roundup: Suns lock in Mark Williams, Hawks delay Buddy Hield guarantee, Pelicans secure Karlo Matkovic
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Suns
Phoenix has reached a fully guaranteed three-year, $38 million agreement with restricted free-agent center Mark Williams, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The 24-year-old appeared in a career-best 60 games last season after arriving from Charlotte in a draft-night trade, averaging 11.7 points and 8.0 rebounds while providing an athletic boost to the frontcourt.
The Suns already have 2025 lottery pick Khaman Maluach developing at the position, but opted to keep both centers. League sources said the club initially pursued a two-year pact before adding a third season at a lower annual salary, preserving room to address other roster needs.
Hawks
Atlanta and veteran guard Buddy Hield agreed to move back the deadline for fully guaranteeing his $9.7 million salary for 2024-25, giving both sides more time to evaluate options, TNT’s Chris Haynes reported. Hield finished last season with the Hawks after beginning the year in Golden State and now faces additional backcourt competition following the arrival of Aaron Wiggins and No. 8 pick Kingston Flemings.
The Hawks also exercised their fourth-year team option on forward Mouhamed Gueye, per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. The 21-year-old played 77 games in 2023-24, averaging 4.4 points and 3.6 rebounds and even filling in at backup center during the playoffs. The option is valued at roughly $2.4 million for the 2026-27 season.
Pelicans
New Orleans picked up the 2026-27 team option on forward/center Karlo Matkovic, guaranteeing about $2.3 million for the 25-year-old. Matkovic logged 62 appearances last season, posting 5.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and nearly one block per game while hitting 42.2 percent from three-point range. With a decision on Kevon Looney’s team option still pending, Matkovic could see his role expand next year.
Source: Hoops Wire
