Many Phoenix Suns players will become free agents in 2024. Royce O’Neale, whom the Suns acquired from the Brooklyn Nets at the trade deadline, is one of the most notable.
While getting a player like O’Neale for just half a season might be risky due to the possibility of him leaving, it appears that he will re-sign with the Suns. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that O’Neale is projected to sign a deal worth approximately $10 million annually. Since the Suns hold O’Neale’s Bird Rights, they can exceed the salary cap to keep him.
In the regular season, O’Neale averaged 8.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, shooting 37.6% from three. However, he struggled during the Suns’ first-round matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging just five points per game on 31.8% shooting from the field and 33.3% from three. This could be attributed to learning the team on the fly, but with an offseason and training camp under his belt, his performance might improve in his first full year with the team.
Suns owner Mat Ishbia has publicly expressed his desire to retain O’Neale and Grayson Allen, stating that he views them as key players. Since the Suns have already re-signed Allen, it’s likely that O’Neale will also stay.
While keeping O’Neale and Allen is a step in the right direction, the Suns still have other offseason needs. The sweep by the Timberwolves indicated that the Suns need more wing depth and frontcourt support. Jusuf Nurkic and Drew Eubanks didn’t provide enough in their frontcourt roles. If the Suns want more frontcourt depth, PHNX Sports’ Gerald Bourguet suggests pursuing Kevon Looney if the Golden State Warriors release him.
