Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes has identified Phoenix Suns forward Royce O’Neale as an “ambitious” offseason trade target for the Cleveland Cavaliers, reviving a connection that has surfaced in previous rumor cycles.
O’Neale, 33, is a longtime friend of Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell and has drawn Cleveland’s attention before. Hughes argued that the veteran could solidify a position the Cavaliers shuffled throughout last season.
“O’Neale is probably an upgrade over the grab-bag mix of small forwards Cleveland tried this past season,” Hughes wrote, noting the Suns wing’s 40.0 percent accuracy from three-point range and ability to defend multiple positions.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff relied primarily on Dean Wade at small forward in 2023-24. While Wade offers steady defense, he attempts few shots and is now an unrestricted free agent. Max Strus, Sam Merrill and rookie Jaylon Tyson also logged minutes at the spot with varying success.
O’Neale averaged 9.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and nearly 41 percent shooting from beyond the arc while appearing in 82 games for Phoenix. His contract runs two more seasons, paying $10.8 million in 2024-25 and $11.6 million in 2025-26.
Although some Cleveland fans continue to dream of higher-profile additions, Hughes contends that O’Neale’s combination of perimeter shooting, defensive versatility and familiarity with Mitchell could make him a practical fit if the Cavaliers pursue roster upgrades this summer.
Source: Hoops Wire
