10 Way-too-early 2024 trade deadline candidates Warriors should monitor
By Tyler Watts
7. Royce O’Neale
The Nets have a wing logjam to sort out. Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson are the team’s preferred options and both are locked up long-term. Brooklyn will try to find minutes for O’Neale, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Ben Simmons, but not everyone will be happy.
Can Simmons stay healthy and return to form? If so, the Nets may look to trade a wing to balance out their roster. Brooklyn’s contention hopes rest on Bridges becoming a star, but even that may not be enough to get them to the playoffs.
O’Neale is the most likely trade candidate as he enters the final year of his contract making $9.5 million. The Nets gave up a first-round pick to acquire him in the summer of 2022. He has been on the trade block this summer, but the Nets have not found the right deal. Can they get a first-rounder in return for the 3-and-D wing? Brooklyn is holding out for at least that.
The 6’4 wing spaces the floor and guards multiple positions. He would fit right in with the Golden State Warriors and his improved playmaking could be an asset in the second unit. The Dubs would prefer a bit more size, but Royce O’Neale can be impactful on both ends of the floor and improves Golden State’s championship odds.