The Phoenix Suns find themselves at a crossroads this offseason, with a pair of mid-tier contracts — Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale — that could offer a path back to financial flexibility. In a summer sure to be filled with tough choices, these two names deserve some discussion. If the Suns are serious about reshaping their identity, parting ways with either or both could be a necessary step toward retooling the roster.

Yesterday, we explored the case for Grayson Allen. Today, it’s Royce O’Neale’s turn.

While both players fit a similar mold — a floor-spacing wing who brings shooting off the bench — O’Neale separates himself with his defensive acumen. He might not be a lockdown perimeter defender, but his strength at the point of attack makes him a valuable chess piece, especially in playoff matchups.

O’Neale’s deal is no small commitment. He signed a four-year, $44 million contract last offseason, leaving three years and $32.6 million remaining, fully guaranteed through 2027–28. No team or player options.

So the question stands: is Royce O’Neale a piece worth keeping, or should the Suns explore a trade to further their transformation?

Let’s break it down.

Point: Trade Royce O’Neale
The Measurables

What’s the old adage? You can never have too many wings in the NBA? Sure, but it helps if those wings come with a bit more size and length than Royce O’Neale brings to the table. At 6’4” with a 6’9” wingspan, O’Neale is limited in his defensive ceiling, not just because of skill, but because of simple measurables.

Yes, he’s a decent defender. But let’s not fool ourselves. Part of why O’Neale looked like a standout on that end of the floor is because the Suns’ defense as a whole was so underwhelming. When the tide is low, even a modest wave can look like a swell. And while he carries a defensive reputation, the numbers suggest otherwise.’

At his core, he’s a three-point specialist. Same as Grayson Allen. The difference is, O’Neale isn’t especially athletic, he’s not quick laterally, and he’s not exactly a young building block either. He’ll be 32 when next season tips off.

So if you’re evaluating this through the lens of value, age, and upside, the conclusion is fairly straightforward: you can do better for what you’re paying him.

So do better.

He’s One Dimensional

There were stretches this season where I genuinely forgot Royce O’Neale was even on the floor. And yet, did you know he finished fourth in total minutes played for the Phoenix Suns? Say what? If you’re someone who values impact over presence, Royce might not be your guy.

He can’t create his own shot. He’s purely a catch-and-shoot option. In fact, 468 of his 570 shot attempts came within two seconds of touching the ball. That’s 82%.

82% of Royce O’Neale’s shots (468 of 570) came within 2 seconds of catching the ball. Pure catch-and-shoot guy. pic.twitter.com/Sdej2cl5NC

— John Voita, III (@DarthVoita) May 3, 2025

Offensively, if you’re looking for someone with a wide-ranging skill set, it’s not Royce. At least Grayson Allen can put the ball on the deck and make a run at the rim.

O’Neale dunked the ball just three times all season. And while he logged the fourth-most minutes on the team, he ranked 13th in free throw attempts, with only 26 all year. He simply doesn’t offer anything off the bounce or at the line. If the three isn’t falling, the offense falls flat with him.

Counterpoint: Do Not Trade Royce O’Neale
Instant Offense

In a year and a half with the Suns, Royce O’Neale shot 40% from deep. That matters. As much as we all fantasize about what the Phoenix Suns should be, you can’t sacrifice reliable bench scoring in the name of a defensive identity that is more about wishful thinking than roster reality.

Why is everyone so obsessed with improving the defense? Because it was so bad last season, of course. But it’s no different than two summers ago when the team lacked point guard play. What did we all clamor for? More point guards. And what did we get? A bunch of point guards. Didn’t help much.

Now, we’re seeing the same pendulum swing with defense. Fans and media alike are shipping Suns players off in mock trades to chase defense-first role guys. The problem? Those guys usually can’t score. And when the playoffs roll around, scoring still wins games.

Booker
Dunn
Hart
Anunoby
Richards

— PHX Fans (@PHXFansAZ) May 2, 2025

Note: the combined three-point shooting percentage of the starting five proposed above this past season was 34%. That would rank 28th amongst starting fives.

Royce O’Neale isn’t a lockdown defender, but he competes. He hustles. He was one of the few Suns I never questioned in terms of effort. And again, 40% from three. That’s real value, especially on a team that desperately needs spacing and consistent shot-making off the bench.

Bottom line? He gives a damn. Keep the guy who can shoot the ball.

Price for Value Paid

It all comes back to value.

What Royce O’Neale provides on the contract he’s signed to? That’s a steal. Four years, $44 million? That’s front-office gold in today’s NBA, especially with the cap set to rise. He’s not just affordable, he’s smart roster construction.

Grayson Allen’s deal, while manageable, is a bit pricier and somewhat redundant when compared to Royce. Both he and GA were duplicative. How duplicative? They scored the same number of points.

They offer similar strengths as floor spacers, but if you’re looking to cut costs and keep production, you keep the guy on the better contract. You keep Royce.

The Suns were savvy, locking him in. He’s a plug-and-play rotation piece for any contending roster, and at 32, he’s got a few more solid years left. Luckily, those years might be spent right here in Phoenix.

It’s not as hotly debated as the Kevin Durant question, but it’s absolutely something the Suns need to consider this offseason. If you’re serious about improving on the margins, you’ve got to take a hard look at your current margins.

So what do you think about Phoenix’s fringe pieces? What should the Suns do with Royce O’Neale?

Let us know in the comments below.

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