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1 hour ago
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ARTICLE AD BOX
Michael Porter Jr., who turned 27 on Sunday, has spent all six of his NBA seasons with Denver. (Image via AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
The Denver Nuggets have emerged as a leading contender interested in acquiring Royce O’Neale from the Phoenix Suns amid ongoing NBA trade rumors. This trade possibility has gained traction due to the mutual benefits all parties involved could realize, from roster fit to financial and strategic advantages.
Understanding why the Nuggets might pursue O’Neale, how such a trade would function, and the pros and cons for both teams is key to evaluating the overall impact.
Why the Denver Nuggets See Royce O’Neale as a Perfect Fit
Royce O’Neale, a versatile 6-foot-6 forward, fits the Denver Nuggets’ need for a two-way wing player who can contribute defensively and space the floor by shooting efficiently from beyond the arc. In the 2024-25 season with the Suns, O’Neale averaged 9.1 points, shooting 40.6% from three with 2.4 made threes per game, along with 4.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game across 75 games.His defensive versatility and shooting prowess align well with Denver’s style centered around Nikola Jokic, who thrives with efficient floor spacers and capable defenders beside him. The Nuggets, who are seeking to deepen their bench after playoff setbacks, view O’Neale as a reliable veteran who can seamlessly play both small forward and power forward.Meanwhile, the Suns are in the midst of a roster overhaul with a surplus of wings and younger guards.
O’Neale’s contract - worth approximately $42 million over four years and signed in July 2024 - makes him a logical trade piece. Moving him would provide Phoenix with financial flexibility and the ability to target draft capital or other positional needs as part of their rebuild while still staying competitive.
Potential Framework for the Nuggets-Suns Trade
Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets (Image via Getty)
A plausible trade scenario involves Denver acquiring O’Neale from Phoenix in exchange for draft picks and/or young assets. The Suns could receive a first-round pick or players who align better with their rebuilding timeline.For Denver, absorbing Royce O’Neale’s contract would come with the reward of gaining a proven 3-and-D forward who can immediately contribute. This allows the Denver Nuggets to bolster their wing rotation without sacrificing core players such as Jamal Murray or Michael Porter Jr. Phoenix, on the other hand, would reduce salary commitments while securing assets for the future.
How Each Party Benefits from the Deal
• Nuggets: Acquire a playoff-tested 3-and-D forward who complements Jokic and Murray with defensive versatility and perimeter shooting. • Suns: Gain cap flexibility by moving O’Neale’s deal, secure draft picks or young players to match their rebuild, and reduce roster redundancy at the wing. • Royce O’Neale: Joins a legitimate contender with a clearly defined role, enhancing his chances of competing for a championship while fitting a culture that values toughness and defense.
Weighing the Pros and Cons for Nuggets, Suns, and O’Neale
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
| Nuggets | Enhances perimeter defense and shooting | Take on a $42 million contract |
| Adds veteran depth with playoff experience | Reduces flexibility if contract extension needed | |
| Suns | Gain draft assets or young talent for rebuild | Lose a proven, versatile two-way wing |
| Free up salary cap space for future moves | Risk of lacking O’Neale’s shooting and defense | |
| Royce O’Neale | Fits into a contender’s system with role clarity | Must adjust to a new team and system |
| Chance to contribute to a deep playoff run | Leaves a transitional Suns roster |
Statistical Case for O’Neale’s Value to Denver
| Stat Category | Royce O'Neale (2024-25 Suns) | Nuggets Team Needs |
| Points Per Game | 9.1 | Need bench scoring |
| 3P% | 40.6% | Need floor spacing |
| Rebounds Per Game | 4.7 | Need defensive rebounding |
| Assists Per Game | 2.2 | Need secondary playmaking |
| Defensive Versatility | Guard multiple wing/forward | High priority |
At 6’6” and around 220 lbs, O’Neale provides the physicality and versatility to defend multiple positions.
His ability to combine strong defense with efficient shooting makes him an ideal demographic and stylistic fit for the Nuggets’ emphasis on switchable, modern NBA defense.
Assessing the Overall Winner of the Trade
The trade scenario has the potential to be mutually beneficial. Denver would secure an immediate rotation upgrade for a championship push, while Phoenix would gain financial breathing room and long-term assets to support its rebuild.For Royce O’Neale, the move to Denver would mean joining a team with title aspirations and a clearer role.
The Nuggets arguably emerge as the bigger short-term winners by addressing a critical need for playoff depth. However, the Suns could benefit more in the long run if they use the acquired assets wisely.Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Denver Nuggets Show Interest in $22.1 Million Sacramento Kings Guard to Bolster Roster Prior PreseasonThis trade rumor underscores the alignment between Denver’s pursuit of a stout two-way wing and Phoenix’s need to reset its finances and roster construction. Royce O’Neale represents a pragmatic target for the Nuggets, offering a blend of shooting, defense, and experience to support Jokic and Murray. For the Suns, moving him reflects a strategic shift in the highly competitive Western Conference. With clear pros and cons on all sides, the proposed deal stands out as one of the most balanced and realistic trade scenarios of the 2025 NBA offseason.
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