The trade deadline is coming up, and the Brooklyn Nets figure to be a big team involved in multiple deals. Brooklyn’s trades will likely include three-and-D players Dorian Finney-Smith or Royce O’Neale.
The latter got linked to the Lakers and the Cavaliers already, but a new team has entered the mix. That squad is the Phoenix Suns, who are looking for a backup wing to provide the necessary depth behind Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
O’Neale, who is on an expiring $9.5 million contract, has reportedly been the subject of talks between the Nets and Phoenix Suns with the Suns offering two second-rounders and Nassir Little,” Nets Daily reports the potential trade.
How O’Neale fits with the Suns
O’Neale fits like a glove on the Phoenix roster because he can play any front-court position. He is also familiar with playing with Durant during their time together in Brooklyn.
Royce’s hard-nosed defense is what the Suns, or any team, need playing behind or with the Big Three. The former Baylor Bear is a solid three-and-D wing who does not complain about his role. That’s the type of player Coach Frank Vogel wants because O’Neale is a no-nonsense player but is still a superb locker room presence.
Of course, O’Neale is not the priority trade for Phoenix, but he’s a reliable wing who can help Phoenix more than people realize. The Suns are looking to get players like Miles Bridges or Jae’Sean Tate, but O’Neale might be the best option because he’s a proven commodity in the league.
The potential package Brooklyn will get for O’Neale
The player who will go to the Nets in this scenario is Nassir Little. The 23-year-old still has an upside because he’s an athletic wing, standing at 6’6”. The former North Carolina Tar Heel has not gotten consistent minutes for the Suns, but he was a solid contributor with the Portland Trail Blazers.
