Royce O’Neale, Brooklyn Nets
Royce O’Neale is another potential NBA Trade Deadline candidate that could arise for the New York Knicks in 2024. Even though it would be somewhat rare for one playoff contender to help another, this could be one of those situations where it would make sense. As an expiring contract after this season and with no guarantee that O’Neale is a big part of the Nets’ future, it wouldn’t be that surprising for the team to explore his market value at the deadline.
O’Neale is no longer a starter in Brooklyn with Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson holding down the 2-3 positions. That could impact his overall importance to the Nets from a macro perspective. That could open the door for another team to swoop in and take a flier on him at the trade deadline.
O’Neale may not even have a huge future in New York but every playoff contender should be open to rolling the dice on another 3-and-D wing. O’Neale would give the Knicks some added depth on the perimeter and an additional defender that they would greatly welcome into the rotation.
If the price is just one late first-round pick (or two second-rounders) and expiring money, I’m not sure how the Knicks wouldn’t be open to such a possibility.