Report links Indiana Pacers to Brooklyn Nets forward Royce O'Neale ahead of 2024 NBA Trade Deadline
According to a report from the New York Post, the Indiana Pacers have been linked to Brooklyn Nets forward Royce O'Neale in a potential trade.
The report, penned by Brian Lewis, details many of the considerations and notes from around the league surrounding the Nets ahead of the trade deadline. One such aspect of the report concerned O'Neale, a veteran forward.
"There are moves to be made, incoming or outgoing, with 30-year-olds Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O'Neale possibly on the latter list," the report reads before providing more information later.
"O'Neale could fetch a first-round pick, and has also been linked to the Mavericks, Nuggets, Pacers, Bucks, Timberwolves, Suns and Kings," Lewis explained.
O'Neale, 30, has been with Brooklyn for the last two seasons. He's a stocky wing who is a capable shooter from deep — he's knocked down 38.1% of his outside shots as a pro.
He's improved on the glass and as a playmaker throughout his career, but his second-most important skill beyond his shooting is his defense. O'Neale can hold his own on the less glamorous end of the floor, particularly on the ball, and that skill transfers anywhere.
This season, the Baylor product is averaging 7.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game for the Nets. He's played in all but one game this campaign and typically hits the hardwood for around half of the minutes in an outing.
"A lot of times, great things can happen at the trade deadline," Indiana's head coach Rick Carlisle said on Tuesday. He looks forward to the week of the trade deadline being over so everything can go back to basketball.
O'Neale is in the final season of a four-year, $36 million contract. This season, O'Neale's cap hit is $9.5 million, so there are plenty of ways for the blue and gold to send away the appropriate salary to make a deal legal.
The Pacers could use some depth on the wing, especially if it comes in the form of a player that can shoot and defend. As they push for the playoffs after the acquisition of Pascal Siakam, any move they make would be about both winning this year and into the future. Any team that trades for O'Neale would inherit his Bird Rights and would be able to re-sign him in the offseason.
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