The Phoenix Suns, in a three-team trade, acquired veteran 3-and-D player Royce O’Neal. The teams that were included in the trade were Memphis Grizzlies and Brooklyn Nets, in addition to Phoenix. With the addition of the seven-year veteran, the Suns get a solid wing defender. They already have a superstar team in Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker.

O’Neal’s addition is going to make them even more deadly as they are getting closer to the prize. But before that, KD and Beal are all praise for their newest teammate. Durant said of him, “IQ, played with guys that can score, underrated passer, just a basketball player, really … I love him and can’t wait to keep building with him as a person first and then as a teammate.”

Beal, for his part, said that he was always a huge fan of Royce from afar. He also gave props to his size and defensive capabilities while affirming that he would be a perfect fit for the Suns.

Phoenix shipped out Chimezie Metu, Yuta Watanabe, Keita Bates-Diop, and Jordan Goodwin in their quest to land O’Neal. Bringing in seven years of veteran experience, his stat sheet doesn’t show any alarming fluctuations. Royce has kept the boat steady with a career 38.1% three-point shooting. And that’s exactly where he will feature in the Suns.

How Royce O’Neal fit in with the Suns

He would probably see himself defending the primary ball handlers when he takes the floor. In a word, Royce O’Neal is a bridge the “Valley” can use as it sees fit. Another feature that factors into his arrival, which is quite the bonus, is his passing.

Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal Keep Suns’ Dream Streak Alive Without D-Book

Taking a look at O’Neal’s assists over the past five seasons shows that he has 2.8 assists with just 1.1 turnovers a night. That translates to an assist-to-turnover ratio of almost three-to-one on any given night! Like KD said, his basketball IQ is on full display here. For someone working as a floor spacer to post these numbers means that their decision-making is on point. Or very close to it.

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Clearly, Mat Ishbia stands strong in his desire to see a title in the franchise. With Royce O’Neal comes his bird rights and free agency. If both Phoenix and O’Neal so desire, they can sign him, no matter how big of a tax hole they will blow. And most importantly, even if any of their best six-men squad get injured, they have their seventh man to take the place as the fifth starter.

The Phoenix Suns have no more excuses for failing to get anything less than a ring. Hopefully, that’s what they will focus on now!

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