This trade would certainly be worth it if the Phoenix Suns have legitimate interest in Irving
If the Suns are just hopeful to get Irving for a low amount of money and see how the rest of this season goes, they likely aren’t going to do a deal like this. It would require them to get rid of one of their good long term pieces and a first-round pick. However, they would be bringing in a generational point guard.
The Pacers would be dumb not to jump on an opportunity like this. Royce O’Neale is on a steal of a contract at 9 million a year for two years. He would instantly be the best power forward on the team and fill a roll the Pacers have been unable to fill for years now.
Royce O’Neale is averaging the following numbers: 9 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists on 40% FG and 40% FG3
Preferably the Pacers could find a slightly larger option at power forward such as OG Anunoby or John Collins, but Royce would be a nice consolation prize is the Pacers find themselves priced out of the market.
What would we grade this trade? An A, no question.