Mark Williams Era Ends — Traded to Luka’s Old Team in Hornets’ Latest Rebuild Move

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The Charlotte Post — Queen City Insight

By Morris Johnson Sr | The Charlotte Post

June 26th , 2025

CHARLOTTE — In a move that felt inevitable, the Hornets have traded center Mark Williams to the Mavericks, receiving guard Jaden Hardy and a 2029 first-round pick once held by the Lakers — now the home of superstar Luka Dončić.

It’s the sixth first-round pick acquired by Charlotte in what fans have started calling “The Culling” — a methodical teardown of the roster in favor of youth and picks. With Luka anchoring Los Angeles now, there’s no telling what shape that 2029 Lakers pick will take.

Mark Williams leaves behind a legacy of potential — often hampered by injuries. The trade marks a clear departure from the Mitch Kupchak era of development, as the Hornets under Jeff Peterson are prioritizing velocity over sentimentality.

Jaden Hardy is expected to bring a scoring punch — and a chip on his shoulder. “They’ll get buckets,” a scout told The Post. “But will they win? That’s the question.”