No matter how long Royce O'Neale is a member of the Phoenix Suns, he is going to get slept on. But that is actually his super power in The Valley, as he continues to catch opponents by surprise.
O'Neale's skill set and contract give Suns wiggle room no other player can
Which is why the soon to be 33-year-old will quietly determine how the Suns' offseason and next regular campaign play out. Already we know he is an at times elite 3-point shooter, who proved when Kevin Durant was in town that he is capable of playing and thriving alongside stars.
Last season was more about proving the doubters wrong as the Suns made the playoffs, and O'Neale was an important factor in that as well.
He started 67 (the highest number since his days with the Utah Jazz who drafted him) of 78 games, and the 40.8 percent from beyond the arc on 6.7 attempts represented a career high both in takes and makes. Not bad for a player who was a known marksman even before he landed in Phoenix.
I am very much enjoying this Suns team and their level of competitiveness right now, but…
— Robbie (@SunsAreBetter) November 9, 2025
Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale’s trade value 📈
Then there was his ability to (attempt) to guard Victor Wembanyama in a memorable victory over the San Antonio Spurs. A tactic that the Oklahoma City Thunder are now using in the playoffs as they put Alex Caruso on him for large portions of Game 1.
Really though it is the fact O'Neale can do all of that, whether starting or coming off the bench, while being on such a team friendly deal that is the most impressive. He is making over $10 million next season and just over $11 million the year after that, figures that any number of franchises would have no problem trading for if they needed another shooter who could defend.
Could the Suns get a first round draft pick for his services? It seems unlikely given his age and years remaining on his current deal, and yet he has played so well that another team could surely talk themselves into it.
Not that Phoenix should be thinking about moving on from O'Neale anyway, but that is the beauty of having him on the roster. At a time when the Suns have little by the way of flexibility until the future of Mark Williams has been decided and with Bradley Beal's salary still largely counting against their cap, O'Neale represents an out if needed.
They could also go in the other direction, and continue to keep one of the best veterans in the league around who does given Devin Booker a better chance of winning now no matter what position you put him in. What a luxury.
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