The Phoenix Suns have taken action. According to Shams Charania of the Athletic, Royce O’Neale of the Brooklyn Nets is on his way to Phoenix. Suns are trading three second-round selections and an undisclosed player.
Brooklyn is finalizing a trade sending Royce O’Neale to Phoenix for salaries and three second-round picks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/sSSXacDYVz
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 8, 2024
David Roddy from the Memphis Grizzlies is also welcomed by the Suns; according to Charania.
Memphis is sending David Roddy to the Suns for a pick swap as part of a three-way with Phoenix and Brooklyn, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Suns pick up O'Neale and Roddy for their postseason rotation.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 8, 2024
O’Neale could be first of many trades for Suns?
O’Neale, 30, became available to Phoenix and is certain to be included in a potential nine-man postseason rotation. The former New York Nets player has participated in 44 playoff games and started 29 of them, giving him postseason experience.
In the regular season, he has a career three-point percentage of 38.1%. He adds versatility to coach Frank Vogel’s defensive scheme and makes a seamless transition into the bench rotation.
Up to six other teams were reportedly in negotiations with Brooklyn to get O’Neale, who was also in high demand throughout the league. The blockbuster deal that brought Kevin Durant to the Valley one year ago today coincides with the Phoenix-Boston trade; the two teams’ working connection endures to this day.
The Suns have surrendered most of their tradable draft assets in this move, though it is uncertain if they will make another trade before the 3 PM EST deadline.