After being acquired by the Phoenix Suns, Royce O’Neale and Kevin Durant will now be teammates for the second time. Before Durant was acquired by the Suns, the two were teammates with the Brooklyn Nets in the 2022–2023 campaign. Durant expressed his joy at being back together with O’Neale following the Suns’ victory over the Jazz on February 8.
Durant told reporters at his postgame press conference, “(O’Neale is) a position-less basketball player that’s gonna help us out and fit in, so I’m excited about him,” according to Gerald Bourguet of the PHNX Suns’ X account. “Royce is such a great person, and I can’t wait to continue developing with him both personally and as a teammate.”
Durant went on to explain why he thinks O’Neale will appeal to Suns supporters.
“He just plays with such intensity,” Durant remarked. adores his teammates and the game. I believe the Valley’s residents will enjoy seeing him.
O’Neale’s contract will terminate at the conclusion of the 2023–24 season. He will have his bird rights with the Suns. Considering that they gave up their remaining assets and their relationship with Durant, the Suns will probably strive
Kevin Durant Predicted Royce O’Neale Reunion
about his first press conference following the trade, Royce O’Neale expressed his happiness about playing with Kevin Durant once more. Furthermore, he disclosed that Durant assured him they would play together once more.
“Just the chance and comfort to play with him once more. As reported by Arizona Central’s Dana Scott on X, O’Neale told reporters, “He told me we were going to be teammates again after he left (Brooklyn), so here we are.”
O’Neale has averaged 7.4 points and 4.5 rebounds in 49 games this 2023–24 season while shooting 38.8% from the field and 36.6% from three. With Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker on his team, O’Neale might shoot more efficiently in Phoenix. In addition, he has a lifetime 3PT percentage of 38.1%.
In addition to giving up three second-round selections, the Suns also handed up a number of players in exchange for O’Neale. Jordan Goodwin, Yuta Watanabe, Chimezie Mezu, and Keita Bates-Diop are among them. David Roddy was also acquired by the Suns, giving them two available roster places.
Grayson Allen Excited to Reunite With Royce O’Neale
Not just Kevin Durant will be reuniting with Royce O’Neale on the Suns. Before being moved to the Grizzlies in the 2018–19 season, Grayson Allen was a member of O’Neale’s Utah Jazz team. In addition, Allen seemed thrilled to see O’Neale again in Phoenix.
“A terrific teammate and guy to have on the squad. He is an excellent shooter as well as a superb defender. He can watch over 1 through 4 and maybe 5. I’m thrilled. According to Arizona Central’s Duane Rankin’s X account, Allen told reporters, “He’s definitely going to help us.”
O’Neale has shown himself to be a reliable three-point shooter, but he might also fit in with the Suns more quickly and easily because he is acquainted with several of his teammates from past experiences.
O’Neale has only played with Kevin Durant for half of a season and Grayson Allen for one season. At the end of the season, he will also only play with them for half of it.
