1. Royce O’Neale
The Nets are loaded on the wing. Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson are their top two options. Brooklyn put Dorian Finney-Smith and O’Neale on the trade block over the summer, but they could not find any team willing to meet their asking price. They want a first-round pick for O’Neale, but he is on an expiring contract. The Nets would be wise to take the top offer they get before the deadline to get something in return.
The 6’4 wing is playing his fewest minutes per game since 2019, but still averaging 7.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. His playmaking has improved out of necessity in Brooklyn, but it could be key in Phoenix playing next to Durant, Booker, and Beal.
The Suns can acquire O’Neale without giving up Grayson Allen. It would mean parting with Nassir Little and at least one minimum salary player, but that is doable. Can Brooklyn get more than four second-round draft picks for O’Neale’s expiring contract? The Suns should make the offer and force the Nets to say no.
The Phoenix Suns will be active and aggressive in trying to improve their roster before the Feb. 8 trade deadline. They hope to find a move that increases their title odds, but it won’t be easy. Stay tuned to see what happens.