(Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
It had become pretty clear that the Brooklyn Nets were willing to part ways with Royce O’Neale earlier this week before the NBA trade deadline.
On Thursday afternoon, the team found a new home for O’Neale: the Phoenix Suns.
This means that O’Neale will be reunited with his former teammate, Kevin Durant, and it sounds like Durant is very happy about that.
Duane Rankin spoke with Suns GM James Jones about Durant’s thoughts on playing with O’Neale again.
“KD had the utmost praise for Royce,” Jones revealed.
“KD had the utmost praise for Royce.”
James Jones on asking players on team about Royce O’Neale, saying he talks to players to see if guys they target are their type of players. Said across the board, team fond of O’Neale.
Kevin Durant and O’Neale teammates in Brooklyn. #Suns
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 9, 2024
Jones told Rankin that he talked to players to see how they felt about any potential new recruits.
He said that “across the board” the team was “fond of O’Neale.”
The forward has averaged 7.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game on 38.8% from the field so far this season.
The Suns might get a big boost from O’Neale, who is capable of shooting but also has strong defensive skills too.
They are currently the fifth team in the West with a 31-21 record but they are hoping to climb even higher before the playoffs begin in a few months.
As for the Nets, they also parted ways with another star in Spencer Dinwiddie.
Both of these players were viewed as trade assets for the Nets so it wasn’t shocking to see them leave.
Dinwiddie’s future is uncertain and he is weighing his options but O’Neale will now get to work with the Suns.
The Suns are in the middle of a winning streak, having just scored three consecutive victories against the Washington Wizards, Milwaukee Bucks, and Utah Jazz.
They next face the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night, but it’s not clear if O’Neale will be ready to participate in that game.
The post Suns GM Reveals Kevin Durant’s Feelings On New Addition appeared first on The Cold Wire.