Chief selector George Bailey has kept the door ajar for veteran all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell despite their shock omission from Australia’s T20 squad.
Mariners Game #42 Preview and Discussion: SEA at HOU, 5/11/26
After laying an egg the size of The Bean in Chicago (sorry, Cloud Gate, one day Anish Kapoor will be called to account for that particular boondoggle), the Mariners limp into Houston for an important AL West showdown. Today I learned Kapoor also has a related work in Houston, Cloud Column, which is basically Cloud Gate but standing up, known by some Houstonians as “El Frijole”, and if it wasn’t for amount I enjoy Claes Oldenburg I’d say maybe public art was a mistake.
(Look at the lone picture I could find of Cloud Column and tell me this isn’t the most Houston take on art. The photograph is itself better art.)
Lineups:
Houston is wearing their city connects on a Monday. Who wants to connect with their city on a Monday?
News:
The Mariners will have to get along without Jose A. Ferrer for at least a couple of games, as he’s on the paternity list. Domingo Gonzalez is up from Tacoma, and you can read about him here.
Also, everyone send your best thoughts and beliefs, Tinkerbell-style, to the corner of Edgar and Dave:
Today’s game information:
Game time: 5:10 PT
TV: Mariners.tv with Aaron Goldsmith, Dave Valle, and because forget it Jake it’s Texas, Jay Buhner
Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports, with Rick Rizzs and Gary Hill Jr.
How to watch Thunder vs. Lakers Game 4 for free: Start time, livestream
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The Lakers will try to avoid being swept by the Thunder in tonight’s Game 4. Down 3-0, their season is on the line.
Although the Lakers held a slim one-point lead at halftime, the Thunder’s offense exploded in the second half, outscoring Los Angeles by 24 points over the final two quarters for a final score of 131-108.
Ajay Mitchell was the breakout star of the night, with a career-high 24 points and 10 assists, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren each contributed 23 points to help Oklahoma City improve to 7–0 in the postseason.
Thunder vs. Lakers: what to know
- What: NBA Playoffs Second Round, Game 4
- When: May 11, 10:30 p.m. ET
- Where: Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles, California)
- Channel: Streaming exclusive
- Streaming: Prime Video (try it free)
If the Lakers win, the series will move back to Oklahoma City for a Wednesday night Game 5. If the Thunder win, they’ll advance into a second consecutive Western Conference Final against either Minnesota or San Antonio.
Thunder vs. Lakers start time:
The Los Angeles Lakers and OKC Thunder game is scheduled to tip off at 10:30 p.m. ET tonight, May 11.
How to watch Thunder vs. Lakers for free:
PRIME VIDEO PRIME FOR YOUNG ADULTSLakers-Thunder second round playoff schedule
- Game 1: Thunder 108, Lakers 90
- Game 2: Thunder 125, Lakers 107
- Game 3: Thunder 131, Lakers 108
- Game 4: May 11 (10:30 ET, Prime Video)
- Game 5: May 13*
- Game 6: May 16*
- Game 7: May 18*
* if necessary
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping, Page Six, and Decider.com. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on every streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. When she’s not writing about (or watching) TV, movies, and sports, she’s also keeping up on the underrated perfume dupes at Bath & Body Works and testing headphones. Prior to joining Decider and The New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.
Are the St. Louis Cardinals Real Contenders or Just Happy Pretenders?
I made myself wait 24 hours to write this so I’m not sharing something that’s a result of the disappointment of Sunday’s heartbreaking loss in San Diego. I’m satisfied that it’s the perfect time to get myself mentally prepared for what the rest of this St. Louis Cardinals season will likely become. Is this team really gonna be a contender or pretenders? I think it’s time to refocus on what this season really needs to be.
First, a quick refresher on something I shared right before the season started. It was February 11, 2026 when I shared the reasons why I was unrealistically optimistic about the 2026 St. Louis Cardinals season. I stand by my predictions then that this year’s Cardinals team would be better than most of the preseason predictors said they would be. One and a half months into the campaign, this team has overachieved and has proven my faith in them warranted. However, I have been watching the first 40 games with my heart more than I have with my head and the latter is tapping me on the shoulder about the big picture of what this season needs to be and what it likely won’t be. I asked this question in The Feed and it seems like a majority are of the same opinion as I am. This is a team of happy pretenders.
I want to be clear that I’m not waiving the white flag of surrender or conceding anything. I still think it’s within the realm of possibility that the 2026 St. Louis Cardinals team massively overachieves and makes the playoffs. However, it’s time that I whoa myself up and stop focusing on that chance. My instinct watching the first couple months of the season is to scream “go get some bullpen help, Chaim!”. That might still happen to some degree, but I think there is zero chance that the Cardinals front office suddenly goes all in to get the pieces we need to be a serious competitor, nor should they.
Here’s what I’m telling myself. The St. Louis Cardinals bullpen is simply not within striking distance of being fixed this year. Last time I looked at the numbers, the Cardinals arms strikeout rates and pitch-to-contact rates are near the cellar among all Major League teams. Riley O’Brien has been a big bright spot (not including what happened Sunday afternoon), but the rest of the bullpen has been inconsistent and I hold my breath anytime we’re entering the final 3 innings of the game with a small lead. We’re not one or two arms away from having a playoff-worthy bullpen.
I will add that I do think and hope that President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom will trade from our incredible minor league catching depth to improve our roster, but I highly doubt you’re going to see him do something that is designed for 2026 and not future seasons.
The Cardinals starting staff is also full of bright spots and disappointments. Michael McGreevy is starting to look like the ace of the staff while Matthew Liberatore has been disappointing. Dustin May got off to a rough start, but has become more like the Dustin May when he was a Dodger. Kyle Leahy has shown promise pitching above league average and Andre Pallante has had his typical high groundball rate, but low strikeout rate results.
There’s nothing negative that I can say about the St. Louis Cardinals offense other than I question if the current pace is sustainable. I said before the season that the Cardinals would be a much more dangerous team than expected if Jordan Walker and Nolan Gorman performed up to potential. We’ve seen Jordan break out, but Gorman remains a low .200’s hitter that isn’t that different than the Nolan Gorman of previous years other than he is making more contact. JJ Wetherholt has been a stellar leadoff hitter with excellent on-base results with some power, but his average is sub-par, too. Overall, the St. Louis Cardinals bats are to be applauded so far. Top 10 in MLB in runs scored. Tied for 6th in home runs hit. Ranked 8th in OPS among all teams. What’s not to love? A little pessimistic voice inside me is whispering that it will be hard to expect them to remain on the current pace.
I have been reminded by many that last year’s disappointing St. Louis Cardinals team was 8 games above .500 going into the all-star break and that’s a valid point to remember. History tells us that team faded massively, but this year’s Cardinals club has a much better personality than that one. They’re young, aggressive and relentless and I fully expect they will continue to play better-than-average baseball. I predicted a winning record just above .500 before the season started and I stand by that prediction. However, I don’t see how we suddenly obtain enough pitching (starting and relief help are needed) to be a real playoff contender. I’m telling myself to reel in my expectations and enjoy the positive stuff we’ve seen happen during this rebuilding season. JJ Wetherholt is having a great rookie season. Jordan Walker has become the Jordan Walker we always hoped he could be. Michael McGreevy has gone next level. If the St. Louis Cardinals shock the baseball world and become a real playoff contender, I’ll be thrilled to be wrong. I just think it’s best to get ready for what the 2026 season will most likely become which is a Cardinals team winning more than expected, but still with eyes toward building a perennial contender for the future and not necessarily this season.
Pistons vs. Cavs Discussion: Game Time, TV, Odds, and More
The Detroit Pistons had a chance to steal a win on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday. They couldn’t pull it off. Instead of having a historically insurmountable 3-0 lead, now the Pistons are staring down the chance of an even series if they can’t pull off a win tonight. There was a lot that went wrong for Detroit in Game 3, and a lot that went right for the Cavs. But both sides of that equation also feel entirely repeatable. The Pistons are prone to error-laden balls, they struggle without Cade Cunningham on the floor, and the Cavs have premier talent in Donovan Mitchell. Every game has felt closer than it should have been, and it feels like any night could tip into blowout territory. Is tonight that night? Which side will that favor?
Game Vitals
When: 8 p.m. ET
Where: Rocket Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
Watch: NBC/Peacock
Odds: Pistons +3.5
Projected Lineups
Detroit Pistons (2-1)
Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren
Cleveland Cavaliers (1-2)
James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Cavs vs. Pistons Game 4 open gamethread
The Cleveland Cavaliers will try to defend home court and even up the series against the Detroit Pistons.
Share your thoughts as the game unfolds. If you aren’t a member of the community, sign up so you can talk to your fellow Cavalier fans and make your voice heard!
Go Cavs!
Astros vs. Mariners Game Thread: Game 42, 5/11/2026
TODAY’S GAME: The Houston Astros (16-25) and Seattle Mariners (19-22) play the first game of a four-game series this evening at Daikan Park with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. CT.
RHP Peter Lambert (2-2, 2.42 ERA) will be on the mound for the Astros, opposite LHP George Kirby (4-2, 2.94 ERA) and the Mariners.
ABOUT TENG: RHP Peter Lambert tries to continue a string of strong starts that have seen him arguably be the Astros second best pitcher since he was called up..
Last App: Lambert spearheaded the only win against the Dodgers in the three game series as he outdueled Shohei Ohtani over seven sparkling shutout innings.
VS. THE MARINERS: The Astros have faced the Mariners 233 times in their history going 132—101 in the all-time series. They are 0-4 against the Mariners this season
The Astros went 5-8 against the Mariners last season including being on the business end of a three game sweep in September that helped the Mariners clinch the AL West.
REMEMBERING RENÉ: The Astros will hold a moment of silence tonight for Hall of Fame broadcaster René Cárdenas, who sadly passed away yesterday…Cárdenas was a true pioneer in broadcasting as the original Spanish-language broadcaster for the Colt .45s when the franchise was born in 1962…Cárdenas called Astros games for 14 seasons (1962-75) and after a long stint with the Dodgers, returned to the Astros Spanish broadcast in 2007…he called select Astros games since that year, while also covering the team for La Prensa, a Nicaraguan newspaper…Cárdenas was inducted into the Astros Hall of Fame in 2024.
TODAY’S AVAILABILITIES: The Astros clubhouse will be open to approved media at Daikin Park from 3-3:50 p.m. CT…Astros Manager Joe Espada will be made available in the Astros dugout at approx. 3:50 p.m.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Sunday, May 10, 12:40 p.m. CT
Location: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH
TV: Space City Home Network
Streaming: SCHN+
Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
Houston Astros
2B Jose Altuve
DH Yordan Alvarez
3B Isaac Paredes
1B Christian Walker
LF Zach Cole
RF Cam Smith
CF Brice Matthews
SS Braden Shewmake
C Christian Vazquez
Seattle Mariners
3B Brendan Donovan
CF Julio Rodriguez
1B Josh Naylor
C Cal Raleigh
LF Randy Arozorena
RF Luke Raley
SS J.P. Crawford
DH Dominic Canzone
2B Cole Young
Braves 5/11 off day Chat and Discussion
What a week for Braves country, huh? Two major deaths, almost back-to-back, of notable icons, starting with Ted Turner and shortly after, Bobby Cox. The Braves took the series win against the two-time national champs, the Los Angeles Dodgers. And, surprise surprise, their pitching is holding up solid.
There’s a lot to talk about regarding the team, with a returning face in the lineup to face off against the offense-powered Chicago Cubs. Let’s get this conversation started as we look to a new week of Braves baseball.
Arizona Diamondbacks Gameday Thread, #40: 5/11 @ Rangers
Any time we go to Globe Field, memories immediately go back to the 2023 World Series, when we faced the Texas Rangers in this ballpark. It’s interesting to note that neither team has made it back to the postseason since then. Indeed, at least the D-backs have come close: the Rangers failed to post a winning record in 2024 or 2025, missing out on the playoffs by eight and six games respectively. The two sides have similar records right now as well, with Texas’s 19-21 a mere half a game behind Arizona’s 19-20. However, in the mediocre AL West, that’s good enough for the Rangers to be in second, two games back of… the Athletics? Wait, what?
Yeah, the last time before this year the A’s had sole possession of first was June 19, 2021 – y’know, back when they were in a different city, and weren’t embarrassed to name it. But, then, the AL as a whole is strikingly mediocre, with only three teams above .500: the Yankees, Rays and A’s. It’s because just four teams have winning records in interleague play, and none of those are better than 5-4. Right now, the National League is 25 games above .500 in interleague play, at 315-290. Texas are 7-8, taking two of three from the Cubs, Phillies and Pirates, but losing to the Dodgers and getting swept by the Reds (y’know back when they didn’t suck).
Last time the Diamondbacks were here was in August last season, and we took two out of three. We lost the opening game on a walkoff, 7-6, but rebounded to take the next two contests, by margins of 3-2 and 6-4. Andrew Saalfrank got the save in the final game. How long ago that all seems. We’ll see if Michael Soroka can keep the sterling streak of starts going. He was certainly a hard-luck loser last time, allowing just the one run over 6.1 innings. But that was enough in a 1-0 loss. In his last three start, the D-backs have scored a total of two runs, so hopefully he gets a bit more support tonight.
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Timberwolves vs Spurs Same-Game Parlay for Tuesday's NBA Playoffs Game 5
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The San Antonio Spurs will have Victor Wembanyama in the middle when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5.
With Wemby crashing the glass, my same-game parlay takes San Antonio to win at home but also likes this Minnesota guard to knock down two or more triples.
Here is my best Timerbwolves vs. Spurs same-game parlay for Tuesday, May 12.
For more, check out our NBA picks and full Timberwolves vs. Spurs predictions.
Our best Timberwolves vs Spurs SGP for Game 5
SGP leg #1: Spurs Moneyline
The San Antonio Spurs couldn't recover from Victor Wembanyama’s first-half ejection in Game 4 but did put up one hell of a fight. That’s something positive to take back to Texas. With Wemby in the paint, this defense gets back to pushing the Minnesota Timberwolves to the perimeter and dropping their effective field goal rate. The Spurs are 18-5 SU off a loss this season as well as 12-3 SU as double-digit home chalk.
SGP leg #2: Victor Wembanyama Over 12.5 rebounds
Wembanyama grabbed 15 rebounds in each of the first three games of this series and was on track for another repeat of that rebounding performance before getting ejected for an ill-intentioned elbow in Game 4. Prior to that, he posted 13 or more boards in a dozen of his past 15 outings overall, and with the T-Wolves struggling to get quality shots, his rebounding chances are soaring closer to 22.0 per game.
SGP leg #3: Ayo Dosunmu Over 1.5 threes
After Wemby got tossed in Game 4, the Timberwolves abandoned the outside shot at went at the rim. However, with the Spurs’ 7-footer in, Minnesota had taken 70 total triples the previous two games. Ayo Dosunmu was just 1 for 4 from distance in Game 4 after shooting 3 for 8 from outside in Game 3. With Wembanyama back in action, the T-Wolves get pushed to the perimeter, and Dosunmu is projected for at least two triples.
Covers NBA betting tools
See our full Timberwolves vs Spurs Game 5 preview
Get Jason Logan's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his Timberwolves vs Spurs predictions for Game 5
More Covers NBA Playoff content
NBA Championship odds
Stay up-to-date with the latest NBA Championship odds for each remaining team, as well as NBA title splits, betting trends, and the previous list of teams that have won the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
NBA Finals MVP odds
See what the current line movement and updates are in the NBA Finals MVP odds race, along with Finals MVP betting trends, favorite analysis, and recent superstars to receive this award.
Live NBA Playoff bracket
Never lose track of where each series sits with our live NBA Playoff bracket, as well as the updated prices for each team to win their respective series — round by round.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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Game 41 Game Day Thread – Arizona Diamondbacks @ Texas Rangers
Arizona Diamondbacks @ Texas Rangers
Monday, May 11, 2026, 7:05 PM CDT (105.3 The Fan / Rangers Sports Network)
The Shed
RHP Michael Soroka vs. RHP Jakob Junis
Go Rangers!
Top MLB draft prospect Brody Bumila strikes out 20 in perfect game
Brody Bumila did his best to boost his 2026 MLB Draft stock on Saturday, May 9.
The 6-foot-9 left-handed pitcher posted video-game numbers in his latest start for Bishop Feehan (Mass.) High School. In a perfect game seven-inning performance for the Shamrocks against Moses Brown, Bumila struck out an astonishing 20 hitters.
The 20 strikeouts broke a 60-year-old school record, with Bumila finding the majority of his success due to his fastball that can reach 100 miles per hour. The pitch helps rank him as the No. 22 Draft prospect in the 2026 MLB Draft, according to MLB Pipeline.
20-strikeout‼️ no-hitter and up to 100 mph from 6-foot-9 Brody Bumila.
— Ben Badler (@BenBadler) May 9, 2026
2026 high school LHP was overpowering tonight for Bishop Feehan in Massachusetts. Heavy fastball attack and mixed in a quality changeup.
Baseball America projected first-round pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. pic.twitter.com/Y5NDvqS4xQ
Bumila also worked in an advanced changeup, which kept the Quakers' lineup off balance, despite them finding a way to put the first run of the season against him on the board.
According to MLB.com, the lengthy pitcher creates 19-20 inches of induced vertical break on his fastball due to his tall frame. He has 69 strikeouts in just 27 innings of work this season.
The last left-handed pitching prospect to come out of Massachusetts was Marlins' prospect Thomas White, who is ranked No. 12 overall. Thomas went 35th overall in the 2023 MLB Draft and is widely expected to make his MLB debut sometime this summer.
Bumila led the Shamrocks to a state championship in basketball earlier this academic year.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: High school pitcher strikes out 20 in perfect game
Timberwolves vs Spurs Prediction, Picks & Odds for NBA Playoffs Game 5
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Victor Wembanyama will be in action for Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, despite giving Naz Reid a tracheotomy with his razor-sharp elbows.
The San Antonio Spurs star center avoided a suspension after being ejected in the first half of Game 4 for throwing a nasty elbow that would even make Ludacris blush.
With Wemby in the mix, San Antonio is double-digit home chalk, and my Timberwolves vs. Spurs predictions go back to the well when it comes to Wemby and rebounds.
Find out more in my NBA picks for Tuesday, May 12.
Timberwolves vs Spurs Game 5 prediction
Timberwolves vs Spurs best bet: Victor Wembanyama Over 12.5 rebounds (-125)
Before getting the boot in Game 4, Victor Wembanyama had four boards on 9.0 potential rebounds in just 12 minutes. That opening effort put him on pace for another 15+ rebounding performance.
In the three games prior, Wembanyama snatched up 15 rebounds in each outing on almost 22 rebounding chances per game. Wemby has plucked at least 13 boards in a dozen of his previous 15 games prior to the Game 4 ejection.
With the series swinging back to San Antonio, Minnesota’s shooting could take a dip. That means more rebounding chances for Wembanyama, who is projected for as many as 15+ boards again.
COVERS INTEL: Minnesota is dead last in effective field goal rate among the remaining eight postseason teams (47.8 EFG%). That’s generated 86.0 rebounding chances per game in the conference semifinals — tied for second most in Round 2.
Timberwolves vs Spurs bonus bet: Ayo Dosunmu Over 1.5 threes (+110)
The Minnesota Timberwolves shot nine of their 27 total 3-point attempts in the first quarter of Game 4. But when Wembanyama got bounced, the T-Wolves bailed on the outside shooting and attacked the unprotected rim.
Minnesota had shot 30 and 40 3PAs in the two games prior, so with Wembanyama clear of a suspension, expect the T-Wolves to get pushed back out to the perimeter in Game 5.
Guard Ayo Dosunmu went 1 for 4 from 3-point range in Game 4, which was a stark decline from his 3-for-8 effort from outside in Game 3. He missed Game 1 due to injury and was limited to only 10 minutes in Game 2, shooting 0 for 1 from distance.
In Round 1, Dosunmu averaged 2.4 triples on 4.4 3PAs and knocked down 1.8 makes from long range at a 44% clip during the regular season. His 3-point prop for Game 5 is offering great value on the Over 1.5, considering game script and projections at 1.8 3PMs.
Timberwolves vs Spurs Game 5 same-game parlay
San Antonio showed a lot of fight after Wembanyama got tossed in Game 4. The San Antonio Spurs were able to go small and got excellent efforts from De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper. That gives this team something to take back to San Antonio, where its 7-footer will patrol the paint and push Minnesota to the outside. The Timberwolves haven’t been great from beyond the arc in the series, shooting just 35% from deep. Those misses turn into long rebounds, which feed the San Antonio transition offense.
Timberwolves vs Spurs SGP
- Spurs Moneyline
- Victor Wembanyama Over 12.5 rebounds
- Ayo Dosunmu Over 1.5 threes
Timberwolves vs Spurs odds for Game 5
- Spread: Timberwolves +10.5 | Spurs -10.5
- Moneyline: Timberwolves +325 | Spurs -425
- Over/Under: Over 218.5 | Under 218.5
Timberwolves vs Spurs betting trend to know
The San Antonio Spurs have gone Over their team total in 27 of their last 45 games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Spurs.
How to watch Timberwolves vs Spurs Game 5
| Location | Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX |
| Date | Tuesday, May 10, 2026 |
| Tip-off | TBD p.m. ET |
| TV | NBC/Peacock |
Timberwolves vs Spurs latest injuries
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The case for re-signing Mark Williams
The Phoenix Suns have numerous decisions ahead of them this upcoming offseason, including multiple restricted free agents, unrestricted free agents, and players with trade value. The following series will examine those decisions as our writing team presents both a point and a counterpoint for each.
Mark Williams. The acquisition came moments after the Phoenix Suns drafted Khaman Maluach, leaving many people confused. It was obvious Phoenix already had a deal lined up with the Charlotte Hornets before the draft even started. Then the Duke center falls into their lap at 10, and the Suns still execute the trade to acquire another Duke center anyway. A team that had almost no depth at center suddenly had plenty of it. They also had a built-in succession plan.
The question with Williams was always the same. Can he stay healthy? Because if he can, the skill set is there for him to be a quality starting center in the NBA. He rim runs. He has strong hands. He provides rim deterrence. The wingspan is massive. Above all else, he runs. The motor is real.
That’s what made this season important. The Suns essentially got a test drive. They acquired him on a $6.3 million contract with a team option, one they ultimately picked up, and now they have a clearer picture of what he is heading into restricted free agency.
So now comes the next phase of the Mark Williams conversation. Do you bring him back? And if you do, how much are you willing to pay?
I’ll start by acknowledging that Mark Williams had a good year for the Phoenix Suns. He exceeded expectations relative to games played, appearing in 60 contests and blowing past his previous career high by 15 games. When called upon, the production was there. He averaged 11.7 points on 64.4% shooting, adding 8.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game.
Part of me still wonders what it could have looked like if the Suns leaned into him more offensively. It felt like whenever they involved him, the results were positive. Too often, the team drifted back toward perimeter-heavy basketball, and Williams’ overall numbers suffered because of it.
As the season wore on, the injuries piled up. We never saw him in the postseason, and that matters when discussing his value on the open market. Through the first 50 games of the year, Williams played in 45, and his value was climbing. Then the back half of the season reminded everyone what the risk is with him. Injuries are part of the equation. If you’re making the argument to keep Mark Williams, that has to be part of the conversation.
So why should the Phoenix Suns retain Mark Williams? I think it starts with the organization’s timeline. You have a young center in Khaman Maluach who will be 20 years old next season. The flashes are there, still, there’s a lot of development left in front of him. If you have the opportunity to build a buffer and support system around that development, it should be a priority. That’s where Williams comes in.
The key becomes the contract, and this is where Phoenix has leverage. Williams is a restricted free agent, meaning he can test the open market and see what teams are willing to offer. The Suns then decide whether they want to match. At the same time, Phoenix can use the threat of matching to push for a sign-and-trade if another team values Williams higher than they do.
Let’s use the Brooklyn Nets as an example. Say Brooklyn offers Williams three years, $60 million. Personally, I think that’s above where his value should land, and I’d imagine Phoenix feels similarly. At that point, the Suns have two options. Option one: let him walk. He heads to Brooklyn and earns $20 million a season. Option two: force the conversation into sign-and-trade territory. Phoenix tells Brooklyn that if they want Williams, they need to work with the Suns. Otherwise, Phoenix threatens to match the deal.
It becomes a high-stakes game of chicken. If multiple teams are bidding, Phoenix gains leverage. If only one team is truly interested, that leverage starts to disappear.
That being said, with his qualifying offer at $9.6 million, I think the Phoenix Suns would be smart to offer Mark Williams a three-year, $36 million deal, with the final season as a team option. It gives Williams security over the next couple of years and gives him runway to position himself for a bigger payday later if the health and availability continue trending in the right direction. It also gives Phoenix two more years, with the option for a third, to continue developing Khaman Maluach. That’s the priority here. If Maluach starts accelerating faster than expected, you can always move off Williams later, and that contract would be attractive to another team.
My guess is the Suns probably come in higher than that. Something closer to three years, $48 million, around $16 million annually. Hopefully, they build in that team option. Even at that number, I don’t know if I’d be upset. It might be a slight overpay. But if you’re viewing this through the lens of the next few seasons, it becomes a tradable contract if needed.
The goal for Phoenix right now is continuity and development, and bringing back Williams supports both. You still have to be financially responsible in how you approach it. At the same time, retaining him should be a priority. He’s a good player and an ideal bridge option before eventually passing the baton to Khaman Maluach when the time comes.
For those reasons, I think you keep Mark Williams.
NBA Playoff Monday discussion
As basketball fans, we know that there is no rest for the weary. Sure, the Washington Wizards have the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. But life and the playoffs go on. Here are the games for today, May 11, 2026.
- Detroit Pistons at Cleveland Cavaliers — 8 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)
- Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Lakers — 10:30 p.m. ET (Prime Video)