PHOENIX – Despite the many lowlights of last season for the Phoenix Suns, guard Royce O’Neale had a career season, recording his highest marks in points and 3-point percentage in a season. O’Neale was the ultimate team player on an underachiever roster, which naturally broaches the question on whether the 32-year-old should be trade at his peak value to recoup some assets down the line.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!If the 6’4 guard remained in the Valley, he would likely continue to build upon his exceptional production in 2024-2025, as the departure of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.
Jan 12, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Royce O’Neale (00) reacts after making a basket against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
O’Neale stats prediction for Suns in 2025-2026:
- MPG: 27.3
- PPG: 9.9
- RPG: 4.1
- APG: 1.6
- 3PT%: 37.8%
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 has a real chance to average double digits in the first time in his career. The starting lineup is set, with O’Neale being delegated to a full-time bench role. However, the move isn’t negative, as the Suns’ bench has plenty of questions marks surrounding it scoring-wise. Many are inexperienced players, who haven’t been relied on being sparkplugs off the bench.
Fellow guard Grayson Allen and O’Neale are sharpshooters, both being 40% shooters last season. The difference between the two is O’Neale has nearly 30 pounds on Allen and could be trusted to guard wings on the perimeter with the added weight to his frame.
Dec 19, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Royce O’Neale (00) against the Indiana Pacers at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Regardless of the weight, O’Neale is still undersized at 6’4 and his age doesn’t fit Phoenix’s timeline in its rebuild. The roster has a surplus of 6’4 and under guards, thus making O’Neale a luxury that the team can’t afford.
Undoubtably, the eight-year NBA veteran can put out another stellar season for the Suns, but his greatest value is what he can bring back to the franchise. Talks have already intensified over the Summer as him being in trades rumors for Golden State Warriors Jonathan Kuminga.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
