PHOENIX – The NBA world is talking about the $150 million commitment to the Phoenix Suns Big 3. Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant are among the most expensive trios in NBA history, and after an embarrassing 2024-2025 season, something needs to change. Trade rumors have cycled through all three All-Stars, with the belief that the franchise will trade one or more to get off the massive payroll and improve the team.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!However, the real challenge for new general manager Brian Gregory is improving the supporting cast next season. Phoenix’s role players flared out, with Tyus Jones, Mason Plumlee, and others not meeting expectations. The two are on expiring deals, but two role players on sizable and tradable contracts are Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale.
Nov 17, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) drives to the basket as Phoenix Suns forward Royce O’Neale (00) and guard Grayson Allen (8) defend during the third quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
What could the Suns get for Allen and O’neale:
Allen is due $16.8 million next year, and O’Neale $10.1 million. Each of the wings has three years left on their deal, with them the only current Suns players set to make over $5 million next season, with Cody Martin and Vasilije Micic expected to be cut or waived from the team for the 2025-2026 season.
Apr 13, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) dribbles against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images
The duo both shot over 40% from beyond the arc last season. However, the roster’s lack of size and surplus of scoring wings make their skillsets a luxury for a team that has holes on the defensive end. Allen dealt with injuries last season, playing the least amount of games since the 2020-2021 season. The 6’4 guard is still a valuable asset for other contenders to have on the roster, while Phoenix can recoup more size to pair with Durant or Booker.
Mar 21, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Royce O’Neale (00) reacts after making a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
O’Neale was traded for his defensive prowess but has grown into one of the team’s best shooters. He has become more valuable since arriving in the Valley and is an attractive player for buying teams. The 31-year-old is also 6’4, and his lack of size and age make him expandable with the team’s rebuild in the future.
The franchise could take flyers on explosive centers like Robert Williams from the Portland Trail Blazers or Moritz Wagner from the Orlando Magic. Williams is a dynamic defensive player whose trade value is low due to his injury history but a versatile defender who could aid the Suns next season. Wagner is an offensive threat, averaging 10+ points the past three seasons with under 20 minutes per game.
Nov 20, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner (21) dunks past Los Angeles Clippers center Mo Bamba (4) in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Regardless of what Gregory decides to do with the roster, change is coming, as Suns owner Mat Ishbia stated at his end-of-season press conference, and that change could be the departure of Allen and O’Neale.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
