If the Phoenix Suns traded Bradley Beal this summer, it'd be the move of the offseason. As much as that needs to happen, it's out of the Suns' control because of his no-trade clause. What is in the front office's control is potentially making a few more trades to upgrade the roster around the margins, such as trading Grayson Allen or Royce O'Neale.
It's known that Nick Richards is all but out the door after the Suns drafted Khaman Maluach and traded for Mark Williams. Who else could be headed out? Before the draft/free agency chaos began, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported that Phoenix gauged the trade market on Allen and O'Neale.
The Suns have since traded Vasilije Micic to the Hornets in the Williams deal and waived Cody Martin, putting them closer to getting below the second tax apron. Trading O'Neale, who will make $10.1 million next season, or Allen, who will make $16.9 million next season, could be Phoenix's next move. The Suns would fetch a larger return for Allen due to his tradable contract and shooting firepower, but an O'Neale trade could be in the cards.
Suns could trade Grayson Allen or Royce O'Neale next
Allen averaged 10.6 points this past season on 45/42/82 shooting splits in 64 games. During the 2023-24 season, his first in Phoenix, he shot a career-high 46.1% from three on 5.9 attempts per game (also a career high). His shooting alone is enough to pique the interest of contenders who need scoring off the bench.
O'Neale wouldn't draw as much interest as Allen, but the 32-year-old is still more than serviceable, as he averaged 9.1 points and 4.7 rebounds per game last season. Like Allen, O'Neale gives the Suns shooting off the bench, as he shot 42.3% from the field and 40.6% from three. He's a decent defender, too.
Phoenix has a surplus of wings on the roster. After the front office addressed its need for another center (how about two?) during the first round of the draft, it's time to find a point guard. Perhaps Chris Paul will sign with the Suns in free agency. Even if he does, he won't magically be a solution to all of Phoenix's needs.
Brian Gregory stepped into his new role as GM tasked with finding ways to fix the roster under several constraints. The biggest move of the Suns' offseason is now in the rearview mirror, with Durant in Houston (additional players and teams could be involved in that deal). However, there are still ways for Gregory to tweak things, meaning an Allen or O'Neale trade could be coming.