The Phoenix Suns have secured the services of free agent forward Royce O’Neale on a lucrative four-year, $44 million deal, sources close to the situation have revealed. O’Neale, 31, proved to be a valuable asset for the Suns towards the end of the season, after coming over from the Brooklyn Nets in a trade. His ability to provide perimeter defense and reliable shooting was a significant factor in the Suns’ success, especially alongside stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. O’Neale has established himself as a reliable shooter throughout his seven-year NBA career, boasting a career 3-point shooting percentage of 38.1%. This new deal represents a significant pay raise for O’Neale, who previously signed a four-year, $36 million contract with the Utah Jazz in 2020.
In addition to retaining O’Neale, the Suns are also bringing back versatile forward/center Bol Bol on a one-year deal, as reported by sources familiar with the negotiations. Bol, 24, initially had a limited role at the beginning of the season before earning more playing time and becoming a fan favorite with his unique skill set. Standing at 7-foot-3, Bol possesses the ability to handle the ball and make highlight-reel plays, making him a valuable contributor off the bench. Despite not seeing consistent minutes with the Suns, Bol showcased improvement in his shooting efficiency during the past season, setting career highs in field goal percentage (61.6%) and 3-point shooting percentage (42.3%). This new contract marks a continuation of Bol’s journey in the NBA following a breakout season with the Orlando Magic, where he averaged a career-best 21.5 minutes per game.
The Phoenix Suns’ decision to bring back Royce O’Neale and Bol Bol on multi-year deals underscores their commitment to building on the success of the previous season. With O’Neale providing defensive stability and shooting prowess, and Bol adding versatility and energy off the bench, the Suns are shaping up to be a formidable force in the Western Conference. The team’s proactive approach to retaining key contributors bodes well for their aspirations of contending for an NBA championship in the upcoming season.
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