One of these two players won't survive the Phoenix Suns' offseason

The Phoenix Suns are going to have a busy offseason, and much of what happens depends on the future of Kevin Durant. If the 36-year-old decides to pursue options elsewhere - or if the team are given an offer they can't refuse for his services - then they will be building a team around Devin Booker next season.

Bradley Beal is also a part of the conversation - and as long as he has that no-trade clause - he is going nowhere and the Suns have to plan for the future with him in mind. Other than waiting for the massive domino that is Durant to fall, the likelihood is that the team will also need a new point guard, with Tyus Jones flaming out badly throughout a 36 win season.

One of Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale won't survive the summer.

There is a chance if Durant is moved on, that the Suns can make subsequent moves in order to get under the second apron. This will probably include waiving Cody Martin to make it happen, which will then leave the organization with an interesting problem. Which one of Royce O'Neale or Grayson Allen to keep moving forward.

At this point the reality is that the two have such similar skill sets - and not enough defensive upside between them - that keeping both doesn't make sense. Both have their strengths - but if the Suns can turn one of these guys into a perimeter defender or even a young player with upside - then it is a move they have to explore.

The case for Allen revolves strongly around his 3-point shooting, plus his fit with the team. Two seasons ago he led the entire league in this category at 46.1 percent, and was the best players the Suns got in the Deandre Ayton trade. Allen's spot in the pecking order was clear, until point guard Jones showed up and knocked him out of his rhythm.

Allen willingly gave up his spot in the starting lineup - another positive in that he's a team player - but his played suffered as a result. He was limited to only 64 games through injury - but when his shot is not falling - there's not a lot more he brings to the team. Yes he tries defensively and he's scrappier than he's given credit for, but that can only get you so far.

Then there is O'Neale, who had much the better 2024-25 season than Allen. His fit next to Booker and Durant looked better than Allen's, while he managed 22 starts across 75 games played. At a time when the franchise was reeling, O'Neale remained relatively consistent and shot 40.6 percent from deep.

That represented a career high - and although he too struggles to have a massive impact defensively - O'Neale has his moments. It could come down to money then, and that gives O'Neale the edge to stay in The Valley. Next season he will make $10 million, and his numbers remain roughly the same for the next two campaigns after that.

Allen on the other hand starts at $16 million in 2025-26, and that number will rise all the way to over $19 million in 2027-28. That final year Allen also has a player option, which you have to imagine he will pick up. As long as the Suns are in the second apron, Allen gives the team access to players on a higher salary in a trade, which is also worth noting.

If you think that's the decision made for the franchise, think again. O'Neale is 31-years-old - the same age as Beal - while Allen is still only 29. If the Suns want to get back to contention, it feels like Allen gives them a longer runway to attempt to do so. Best of all - no matter which player the team ultimately decide to cut loose - the Suns will get something of value back in return. Who will it be?