League Sources: Ross O’Neale Inks Four-Year, $44 Million Pact with Suns
Suns Expected to Waive Dario Saric to Make Room for New Power Forward
Phoenix, AZ – According to league sources, free agent forward Ross O’Neale has agreed to a four-year, $44 million deal with the Phoenix Suns. The deal is expected to become official once the NBA’s moratorium period ends on July 6th.
O’Neale, a 6’4 wing out of Utah, has spent the past four seasons with the Utah Jazz. During that time, he has established himself as a reliable defender and a capable three-point shooter. Last season, O’Neale averaged 7.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 41.3% from three.
The Suns are expected to waive center Dario Saric to create the necessary cap space to sign O’Neale. Saric, who was acquired by the Suns in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder last season, has struggled to find his footing in Phoenix. He averaged just 5.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game last season.
O’Neale’s addition to the Suns is a significant move that should bolster the team’s defense and three-point shooting. The Suns have long been in search of a reliable perimeter defender, and O’Neale fits that bill perfectly. He is also a career 38.2% three-point shooter, which will provide a much-needed boost to the Suns’ offense.
With O’Neale now in the fold, the Suns have a young and talented core in place. Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Mikal Bridges are all 25 years old or younger, and O’Neale is just 28. The Suns are hoping that this group can lead them to their first NBA championship since 1993.
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L. Dyer
