Hornets Release Statement Following Rescinded Mark Williams Trade to Lakers

When news broke late on Saturday night about the massive trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets being recinded, many were in shock. The reports came out of nowhere and have now left the Lakers scrambling to figure out a plan forward.

Los Angeles was all set to acquire center Mark Williams, giving them a legitimate big man to bolster the frontcourt. But now, the team will need to look elsewhere and with the trade deadline already passed, the options will be limited.

Charlotte released a statement shortly after the news came out.

“We are excited to welcome Mark back to our Hornets organization. After the other team aggressively pursued Mark, we made the difficult decision to move him. We have always held great respect for Mark’s talent, work ethic, and character. We are thrilled to see him rejoin our roster as a dynamic presence at the starting center position. His return strengthens our team, and we look forward to the impact he will make on and off the court.”

pic.twitter.com/vSBcFUH2SA
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) February 9, 2025

Naturally, many fans weren't happy with this news but the Lakers seemed to have dodged a bullet here. Williams reportedly showed multiple issues during his exam from the team and the Lakers decided to simply cancel the trade.

"Mark Williams' physical with the Lakers showed multiple issues and the team failed him on the exam, sources tell ESPN. The physical was not failed due to his back, however."

Mark Williams' physical with the Lakers showed multiple issues and the team failed him on the exam, sources tell ESPN. The physical was not failed due to his back, however. https://t.co/lY4XrSIlHf
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 9, 2025

Los Angeles will now get back everything that they were going to trade to the Hornets in this deal. This includes rookie forward Dalton Knecht, forward Cam Reddish, a 2030 first-round pick swap, and a 2031 first-round draft pick.

The team will be much better set up to make a trade in the summer to fortify the center position but they are left without great options for the remainder of the year. The Lakers will do whatever they can to add talent off the buyout market to hold things down for the season.

But this is a blow to their chances this year, even with star Luka Doncic joining the lineup this coming week.

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