The Charlotte Hornets are disputing the Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to rescind the trade for Mark Williams and have contacted the NBA regarding the matter, according to multiple reports.
The Lakers had initially agreed on Wednesday to acquire Williams from the Hornets in exchange for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 first-round pick, and swap rights on a 2030 first-round pick.
However, after conducting a physical, the Lakers elected to rescind the deal by Saturday’s trade deadline due to unspecified medical concerns.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Hornets are now exploring potential options to challenge the Lakers’ decision or seek alternative resolutions through the league office.
“The Hornets are considering their next steps and weighing avenues to challenge the Lakers’ evaluation process or seek alternative resolutions with the league office,” Charania reported on Monday.
The exact reasons for Williams’ failed physical remain unclear, though ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that the decision was based on multiple factors, excluding the back injury that sidelined him for most of last season.
Williams, 22, has played only 85 games over three NBA seasons due to various injuries, including issues with his feet and thumb.
Despite concerns over his long-term durability, he had appeared in 23 of Charlotte’s last 28 games before the trade, averaging 15.6 points and 9.6 rebounds in 25 minutes per game.
The rescinded trade leaves Williams in an uncertain position. If Charlotte’s challenge is successful, he could still be required to join the Lakers, despite the team expressing medical concerns.
He would then become extension-eligible in the summer with a franchise that had already questioned his long-term availability.
If the Hornets’ efforts to reinstate the trade fail, Williams will remain with a team that had actively tried to move him, creating further complications regarding his future in Charlotte.
As the dispute continues, one of the league’s most promising young centers now faces an unpredictable career trajectory, with two teams seemingly reluctant to retain him.
Williams last featured for the Hornets in a disappointing loss earlier this month against the Bucks.
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