In a significant move for the Phoenix Suns, free agent forward Royce O’Neale has decided to sign a lucrative four-year, $44 million contract to stay with the team. The sources, including ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, have confirmed this exciting development. O’Neale, who is 31 years old, played a vital role for the Suns in the latter part of the season after being traded from the Brooklyn Nets. His impact was immediate, providing the team with essential perimeter defense and additional shooting capabilities alongside stars like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. O’Neale, a seasoned NBA player with seven years of experience, boasts a career 3-point shooting percentage of 38.1% and has significant playoff experience, having participated in nearly 50 postseason games. This new deal marks a significant pay increase for O’Neale compared to his previous four-year, $36 million contract with the Jazz.
Further bolstering their lineup, the Phoenix Suns are also set to retain forward/center Bol Bol on a one-year deal. Bol, who is 24 years old, initially had a limited role at the beginning of last season but quickly earned more playing time, appearing in almost every game towards the end of the regular season. Standing at an impressive 7 feet 3 inches, Bol brings a unique skill set to the court, showcasing his ability to handle the ball and create highlight-reel plays. Despite not receiving as many minutes as he did during his breakout season with the Magic, where he averaged a career-high 21.5 minutes per game, Bol made significant strides in his shooting efficiency while in Phoenix. He achieved personal bests in field goal percentage (61.6%) and 3-point shooting percentage (42.3%). This one-year, $2 million deal signifies a continuation of Bol’s NBA journey with the Suns.
The decision to re-sign Royce O’Neale and Bol Bol represents a strategic move by the Phoenix Suns to maintain continuity within their roster. O’Neale’s defensive prowess and outside shooting, combined with Bol’s unique skill set and improved shooting efficiency, add depth and versatility to the team. As the Suns look to build on their success from the previous season, retaining key players like O’Neale and Bol sends a clear message of their commitment to sustained competitiveness in the league. With these signings, the Suns aim to solidify their position as a top contender in the NBA and continue their pursuit of a championship title.
Leave a Reply