Suns
The Suns are keeping one of their young big men around.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, restricted free agent center Mark Williams has agreed to a fully guaranteed three-year, $38 million contract to remain in Phoenix.
Williams, 24, appeared in a career-high 60 games last season after arriving from Charlotte in a draft-night trade a year ago. He averaged 11.7 points and 8.0 rebounds while giving the Suns another athletic presence in the frontcourt.
Phoenix already has 2025 lottery pick Khaman Maluach developing at center, making Williams’ future one of the offseason’s bigger questions. Instead, the Suns opted to keep both, locking Williams into what projects as a team-friendly contract for a player who still has upside.
According to reports, Phoenix initially preferred a two-year agreement before ultimately agreeing to add a third season at a lower annual salary.
The deal leaves the Suns with some financial flexibility to continue rounding out the roster while keeping another young contributor in the fold.
Hawks
Atlanta made a pair of roster decisions Thursday as the offseason continues to take shape.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Hawks and veteran guard Buddy Hield have agreed to push back the deadline on fully guaranteeing his $9.7 million salary for next season, giving both sides additional time to evaluate their options.
Hield finished last season in Atlanta after beginning the year with Golden State, but his role was limited. Since then, the Hawks have added Aaron Wiggins and drafted point guard Kingston Flemings with the No. 8 overall pick, creating an even more crowded backcourt.
Even so, Hield’s outside shooting and expiring contract could still make him valuable, whether it’s as a rotation player or as part of another trade.
Meanwhile, Atlanta also exercised its fourth-year team option on forward Mouhamed Gueye, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
Gueye appeared in a career-high 77 games last season, averaging 4.4 points and 3.6 rebounds while earning a reputation as a versatile defensive reserve. He even handled backup center duties during the playoffs when injuries hit the Hawks’ frontcourt.
His option is worth approximately $2.4 million for the 2026-27 season.
Pelicans
New Orleans has officially picked up Karlo Matkovic‘s team option for the 2026-27 season.
The move guarantees the 25-year-old forward/center roughly $2.3 million for next year after he emerged as a dependable reserve last season.
Matkovic appeared in 62 games, averaging 5.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and nearly one block while shooting an impressive 42.2 percent from three-point range in limited minutes.
His versatility allowed the Pelicans to use him alongside multiple frontcourt combinations, making him a valuable depth piece throughout the year.
With Kevon Looney‘s team option still awaiting a decision, Matkovic could be in line for an even larger role next season as New Orleans continues sorting out its frontcourt rotation.
MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by team
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