The Hornets have released an interesting statement after the Lakers decided to rescind the Mark Williams trade.
On February 9, 2025, the Charlotte Hornets released an official statement following a surprising turn of events involving center Mark Williams. The Los Angeles Lakers had agreed to acquire Williams in a mid-season trade, but the deal was unexpectedly rescinded after Williams failed his physical examination with the Lakers’ medical staff. The Hornets’ statement aimed to clarify the situation, defend their handling of Williams’ health, and address the implications for both teams.
Mark Williams, a 7-foot center drafted 15th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Duke, had shown promise with his defensive prowess and rebounding ability. He was considered a key part of the Hornets’ young core, averaging 9.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game in his sophomore season. However, reports of lingering back issues had circulated earlier in the season, raising questions about his long-term durability.
The Hornets’ front office stated, “We were transparent with all medical information related to Mark Williams prior to the trade discussions. Our medical team had monitored his condition closely, and while he experienced minor discomfort earlier in the season, he was cleared to play without restrictions as of January.” The organization emphasized their confidence in their medical staff’s assessment, implying that the Lakers’ evaluation may have been overly cautious.
The failed physical reportedly centered around concerns with Williams’ lower back, particularly a potential herniated disc that could require extended rest or even surgical intervention. While Williams had played through discomfort, the Lakers’ medical team felt the risks outweighed the potential benefits, especially considering the team’s current playoff push. The Lakers had intended to bolster their frontcourt depth with Williams, complementing Anthony Davis and providing much-needed rim protection. The rescinded trade leaves the Lakers scrambling for other options ahead of the trade deadline.
For the Hornets, the failed trade presents a complicated situation. The team now must reintegrate Williams into their lineup despite the public knowledge of his health concerns and the fact that they were willing to part ways with him. This can be challenging for both the player’s morale and team chemistry. The Hornets’ statement addressed this as well, noting, “Mark remains a valued member of our organization. We look forward to his continued contributions on the court and are committed to supporting his health and development.”
NBA analysts have weighed in on the situation, with some speculating that the Hornets may have downplayed the severity of Williams’ condition to facilitate the trade. However, others argue that medical evaluations can vary significantly between teams, with some organizations adopting more conservative approaches. The league office is not expected to investigate the matter unless further discrepancies arise.
The incident also highlights the broader issue of how teams manage player health disclosures during trades. In the past, failed physicals have derailed high-profile trades, but they can also lead to mistrust between front offices. The Lakers have not released a formal statement, but sources suggest they are frustrated with how the situation unfolded, particularly given their urgent need for frontcourt reinforcements.
As for Mark Williams, his immediate future remains uncertain. While he may return to the Hornets’ rotation, ongoing health concerns could limit his playing time. The team will likely continue to monitor his condition closely, possibly exploring trade options in the offseason if his health improves.
In the fast-paced world of NBA trades, situations like these serve as a reminder of the complex intersection between player health, team needs, and organizational transparency. Both the Hornets and Lakers will look to move forward, but the ripple effects of this rescinded deal may linger throughout the season.
