The Lakers made a big move by trading rookie guard Dalton Knecht, forward Cam Reddish, a 2031 first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap to get Mark Williams. Everyone was shocked by how fast the team found a new center. Soon after, they discovered that Williams had physical problems, so the Lakers had to cancel the trade.
The Los Angeles Lakers canceled their big trade for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams after finding health issues during his physical exam. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Williams did not fail the test because of his back, but other concerns were serious enough for the Lakers to back out of the deal.
The Hornets shared a statement saying they are happy to have Williams back. They admitted it was a tough choice to trade him but always valued his talent, hard work, and character. Now that he’s staying, they believe he will make a strong impact as their starting center.
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) February 9, 2025
Since the trade deadline has passed, the deal cannot be changed. This means Williams will stay with the Hornets for the rest of the season, while Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish will return to the Lakers.
Fans react to Mark Williams trade rescinded
The Los Angeles Lakers canceled their trade for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams, and fans on social media had a lot to say about it. Many were confused and frustrated by the sudden change.
At first, fans were excited about the Lakers’ move, but now they are worried again since the team still needs a qualified center to help LeBron James.
@akaCK_ tweeted, “Reflects poorly on Charlotte. This is a disaster. They just made us look like unreliable trade suitors and publicly announced Mark Williams as practically worthless as a trade piece.”
Reflects poorly on Charlotte. This is a disaster. They just made us look like unreliable trade suitors and publicly announced Mark Williams as practically worthless as a trade piece. https://t.co/iuOGMHwGtI
— Carson Cash (@akaCK_) February 9, 2025
@23dwayne said, “It’s a real shame the Mark Williams trade had to be rescinded. He’s a talented, young player but has some physical issues that just can’t be overlooked. Failure of a physical isn’t something you can let go. Lakers will have to find a center another way. #LakersNation.”
Some fans didn’t mind the trade falling through.
@WakeUpAli_ wrote, “I was never a fan of the Mark Williams trade anyway.”
I was never a fan of the Mark Williams trade anyway.
— Ali (@WakeUpAli_) February 9, 2025
It was clearly a desperate move and he had major injury concerns + his defense isn’t great
In a vacuum, Lakers dodged a bullet…but it’ll be tough not having a real starting center this season
@anditsrew shared, “I’m actually cool with the trade being rescinded. Mark Williams has some of the worst defensive metrics.
I'm actually cool with the trade being rescinded. Mark Williams has some of the worst defensive metrics.
— drew (@anditsrew) February 9, 2025
