The Phoenix Suns have acquired Royce O’Neale in a three-team trade with the Brooklyn Nets and Memphis Grizzlies, as reported by the Athletic’s Shams Charania. The Suns receive David Roddy from Memphis in exchange for a pick swap and Yuta Watanabe. Phoenix is also sending out Chimezie Metu, Jordan Goodwin, and Keita Bates-Diop. The Nets will also receive three second-rounders from Phoenix.
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
NBA News: Suns Trade for Royce O’Neale
Suns Trade Acquisitions
O’Neale is averaging 7.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 2023-24. A renowned sniper, O’Neale also boasts a career 38% shooting percentage from three.
This is a huge win for Phoenix. Not only did they land a solid wing defender and floor-spacer in O’Neale, but they also get another rotation piece in Roddy. Roddy, the 23rd pick in the 2022 NBA draft, is a versatile wing that can play as a small forward or power forward. The former Colorado State Ram is averaging 8.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 23.2 minutes per game this season.
The Suns now have the ability to be aggressive in the buy-out market.
#Suns are trading out Chimezie Metu, Keita-Bates Diop, Jordan Goodwin and Yuta Watanabe and getting Royce O’Neale and David Roddy in return, sources have informed @azcentral.
So that leaves them two roster spots open for the buyout market.
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 8, 2024
They can also choose to pursue another trade as the deadline looms ever closer.
Suns retain assets after this three-team deal for O’Neale and Roddy — including a second-rounder and pick swaps.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 8, 2024
Grizzlies Trade Acquisitions
Once Ja Morant was ruled out for the season, it was clear that Memphis would embrace this season as a reset year. A slew of injuries has derailed Memphis’ plans towards contending in the Western Conference, and they will now look ahead to the 2024 NBA draft.
Watanabe was with the Nets last season, and established himself as a fan favorite, despite seeing limited playing time.
Metu was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs, and spent three years with the Sacramento Kings before arriving in Phoenix.
Nets Trade Acquisitions
Brooklyn continues its busy deadline day. The Nets have already traded away Spencer Dinwiddie and Dennis Smith Jr. Their moves are indicative of a retool more than a rebuild, as they are still intent on keeping their star player Mikal Bridges.
Goodwin and Bates-Diop have been bit-part players in Phoenix’s rotation this season. Bates-Diop is the only one of the four Suns that were traded to have consistently featured in recent weeks.
What’s Next
Brooklyn is aiming to crawl back into the play-in conversation, after the return of Ben Simmons. They are currently 11th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 20-30. The Nets next test is tonight’s home matchup against the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Suns, currently 30-20 and 5th in the Western Conference, will hope that O’Neale can aid them as they push for home-court advantage for the 2024 playoffs. Phoenix will host the Utah Jazz later tonight.
