6. Royce O’Neale
The Thunder are a deep team. They have top-end talent and several role players. Oklahoma City is at the top of the Western Conference already, but a contender can never have too many quality options. Every team is searching for wing depth. O’Neale will have plenty of suitors, but he could be the missing piece for the Thunder.
The Suns traded for the 6’4 wing just before the deadline and will certainly try to keep him. OKC will be able to outbid Phoenix, but do they? O’Neale is a plus defender and career 38.2 percent 3-point shooter. He can handle the ball and make plays or just be a spot-up shooter. He is the 3-and-D wing every contender needs and is on pace to make the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year.
Royce O’Neale would be an upgrade over Isaiah Joe. Is he comfortable coming off the bench and playing 20 to 25 minutes per game? The 30-year-old may prioritize playing time in free agency. He certainly wants to be on a contender, but which team is offering the largest role?
O’Neale is on a $9.5 million expiring contract and will be searching for a raise. Expect multiple teams to make offers, and the Oklahoma City Thunder could win the bidding as a contender offering significant money. He is not a star, but they may decide a role player is best for their talented roster.