Mark Williams Injured, Latest NBA Rumors on Timeline to Return for Suns' 2026-27 Season

Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams' status for the start of the 2026-27 NBA season is unclear due to a recent shoulder injury that required surgery.

Per ESPN's Shams Charania, Williams underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum suffered during an offseason workout.

No official timeline for Williams to return has been given, but Charania noted he is expected to "miss an extended period" of time.

Injuries have been an unfortunate hallmark of Williams' career to this point. His 60 games played in 2025-26 were his most in a single season. He played a total of 106 games the previous three years combined.

Williams' injury history played a role in a rescinded trade from February 2025 that would have sent him from the Charlotte Hornets to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The trade was contingent on both Williams and Dalton Knecht passing a physical, but the Lakers expressed concern about Williams' long-term health after undergoing an exam.

Phoenix would later acquire Williams in a June 2025 trade with the Hornets in a package that involved a 2029 first-round draft pick going back to Charlotte.

This latest injury comes just over two months after Williams got a three-year, $38 million contract extension from the Suns. He was set to be their starting center for a promising starting five with Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green and the recently-acquired Miles Bridges.

Williams averaged 11.7 points and 8.0 rebounds per game in his first season with the Suns.

Khaman Maluach, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, figures to be in line for a bigger role with the Suns this season until Williams can return. Maluach played sparingly as a rookie, averaging 3.0 points and 2.9 rebounds per game in 46 appearances.

The Suns are scheduled to report to training camp on Sept. 29. They will begin the regular season against the Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 21.