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Royce O'Neale Rumors
Kevin Durant: "Attack the paint, try to get layups, try to get threes. But when it's five to six seconds on the clock, give the ball to the best player. And if you shoot a mid-range at that point, then he's shooting a mid-range. But we not going to waste the clock trying to look for a three with two seconds on the clock, and we giving it to no Dorian Finney-Smith with two seconds on the clock to make a three." "That's not—that's not what we... Or Royce O'Neale. That's not—I mean, they can hit it for sure—but that's not sustainable offense for us going forward."
Kevin Durant: When it's 5 to 6 seconds on a clock, get a ball to the best player and if he shoot a mid-range at that point, then shoot a mid-range. But we not going to waste the clock trying to look for a three two seconds on the clock and we giving it to, no disrespect, Dorian Finney-Smith with two seconds on the clock to make a three. That's not what we.. or to Royce O'Neale. I mean they can hit it for sure, but that's not sustainable offense for us going forward.
Suns shopping Royce O'Neale, Grayson Allen
Phoenix has also gauged the trade market on swingmen Royce O’Neale and Grayson Allen, league sources told HoopsHype. The Timberwolves were concerned about trading for Durant when Minnesota wasn’t on his preferred list of destinations. In addition, the Suns desired Rudy Gobert in trade talks, and losing their French defensive anchor to pair Julius Randle and Kevin Durant in the frontcourt together wasn’t seen as an ideal pairing defensively, HoopsHype has learned.
The Suns will decline Vasa Micic’s $8.1 million team option, and Cody Martin’s non-guaranteed $8.7 million salary could be another cap casualty as well. Phoenix does like Martin, so that may depend on how draft night and trade market shake out. Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale are other tradable contracts that could be on the move if the right deal arises. But the biggest obstacle to freeing up that MLE is undoubtedly Bradley Beal’s $53.7 million salary.
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Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale could be traded?
There has been a good bit of chatter this week about the Suns' willingness to explore trades involving Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale as part of the Durant discussions, sources say, to reduce their tax bill further. After a winter of non-stop trade discussions with various teams, Phoenix is very familiar with the concept of trying to triangulate three-team (or larger) deals.
Bradley Beal expected to return on Friday
Bradley Beal: Bradley Beal is expected to make his return from a left hamstring strain Friday night at defending NBA champion Boston, Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said after Thursday's practice. Has missed last eight games with a left hamstring strain. Royce O'Neale is expected to be available as well after being a late scratch from Tuesday's loss at Milwaukee with an illness. #Suns
Duane Rankin: Bradley Beal (hamstring) and Royce O'Neale (illness) OUT. #Suns
Gerald Bourguet: Final: MIN 124, PHX 109 Durant: 23 Pts, 6 Reb, 2 Blk, 7-19 FG Gillespie: 22 Pts, 10 Ast, 5 Reb, 9-11 FG O'Neale: 21 Pts, 7-12 3P Booker: 10 Pts, 6 Ast, 4-14 FG, 0-6 3P Randle: 25-8-6, 9-15 FG
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Duane Rankin: Royce O'Neale says he could've played QB at next level, but went with hoops after freshman year in high school: "Too much physicality for me. Too many injuries that can happen." O'Neale is the Suns inbound guy on key plays. Found Devin Booker for game winner vs. Bucks. Compared making inbound pass to making a throw as a QB: "You only got so many seconds in the pocket." #Suns pic.x.com/JvLVbh0LCY
Royce O'Neale engaged to actress Paige Hurd
Paige Hurd's new role? Engaged! The Power Book II: Ghost alum, 32, got engaged to Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale, 31, at Viceroy Riviera Maya on Feb. 13 during a romantic getaway to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, the couple exclusively confirms to PEOPLE. The pair were enjoying an intimate dinner at the luxury oceanfront resort surrounded by rose petals, soft candlelight and a crackling fireplace. For their final course, they were served a slice of red velvet cake with the question "Will You Marry Me?" written on the plate. "I was feeling nervous because I wasn’t trying to give off any nerve-wracking behavior or give any signs that something was up," O'Neale tells PEOPLE. "I was really excited because I knew Paige wasn’t expecting it and wanted it to be a huge, special surprise."
Gerald Bourguet: Royce O'Neale was asked if the Suns feel a need to defend Bradley Beal from angry fans: "What they gonna be mad for? We love Brad. Brad has sacrificed a lot for his team, whether it's starting or coming off the bench. Hs mentality and his character hasn't changed”
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