It was a busy day for the Phoenix Suns, as they were involved in a three team trade with the Memphis Grizzlies and the Brooklyn Nets. Then later on in the night, they defeated the Utah Jazz at home 129-115.
The Suns received former Nets forward Royce O’Neale, and former Grizzlies forward David Roddy. The Suns sent forwards Chimezie Metu and Yuta Watanabe to the Grizzlies, and forward Keita Bates-Diop and guard Jordan Goodwin to the Nets. The three team deal also included the Suns giving the Nets three second-round draft picks, and a 2026 first-round pick-swap with the Grizzlies.
The four players traded away were all brought in last off-season, and had high hopes that didn’t pan out. Chimezie Metu and Jordan Goodwin both showed flashes, but ultimately they were unable to stick around in the rotation.
However, the Suns bring in Royce O’Neale who has playoff experience, and he has shown he can be a reliable three and d wing, shooting 36.6% from three this season. That percentage could go up, with the defensive focus on the big three. O’Neale will be a free agent this off-season. Phoenix’s other new wing David Roddy is a 6’4 255 lb big frame player. He can offer an offensive skill set with his 8.4 points per game, as well as defense. Roddy is the younger one out of the two new additions at 22, Royce O’Neale at 30. Roddy will be under contract through 2026 with a club option in 2025.
With two open roster spots, the Suns are expected to be active in the buy-out market.
For tonight’s game, the Suns without Devin Booker were able to handle the Jazz, thanks to Kevin Durant adding 31 points, and Bradley Beal with 30 of his own. Grayson Allen notched a career high in assists with 14. Both teams were shortened tonight and the Suns came out on top.
The newly acquired Suns are expected to play in the next few games, and they will head to San Francisco to face the Golden State Warriors for a Saturday night prime time matchup.
