Royce O'Neale News, Rumors, Updates - Charlotte Hornets

Scoreless in 18 minutes O'Neale totaled zero points (0-2 FG, 0-2 3Pt), three rebounds, two assists and one steal over 18 minutes during Wednesday's 114-104 loss to the Nets.

Impact O'Neale failed to score for the third time in his first nine games, continuing what has been a disappointing start to his time in Charlotte. While he has been an every-night part of the rotation, his production has been less than ideal, averaging just 4.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.1 three-pointers in 18.0 minutes per game.

NOVEMBER 5 • ROTOWIRE

Held scoreless Saturday O'Neale closed with zero points (0-1 FG, 0-1 3Pt) and one rebound over 11 minutes during Saturday's 115-110 victory over the Heat.

Impact O'Neale was held scoreless for the first time this season as he logged a season-low 11 minutes. Through three regular-season games, he's averaging 4.7 points and 2.3 rebounds in 15.0 minutes per tilt.

OCTOBER 25 • ROTOWIRE

Headed to bench O'Neale will come off the bench in Friday's preseason finale in Memphis.

Impact Sion James will replace O'Neale in the first unit for Friday's final exhibition game. In two games off the bench this preseason, O'Neale is averaging 6.0 points and 3.0 assists in 16.9 minutes per contest.

OCTOBER 16 • ROTOWIRE

Perfect from field Wednesday O'Neale delivered 12 points (4-4 FG, 4-4 3Pt) in 23 minutes while chipping in two rebounds and two assists during Wednesday's preseason loss to the Celtics.

Impact Getting the start with Kon Knueppel (hamstring), Coby White (calf) and Grayson Allen (knee) all missing from the backcourt, O'Neale was perfect with his shooting opportunities, although he also committed five turnovers. It's not clear if any of those Hornet guards will be ready for Opening Night, so O'Neale could find himself in a bigger role than expected to begin the campaign. The veteran forward was dealt to Charlotte in June after averaging a career-high 9.8 points and 2.7 threes over 78 regular-season games for Phoenix in 2025-26.

OCTOBER 15 • ROTOWIRE

Slated to start Wednesday O'Neale is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's preseason game against Boston.

Impact After coming off the bench in his first two preseason appearances, O'Neale will move into the starting five for the first time with Charlotte. In 78 regular-season games (67 starts) with Phoenix last year, the veteran forward averaged 9.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.1 steals in 28.4 minutes per contest.

OCTOBER 14 • ROTOWIRE

Sees 17 minutes in loss O'Neale finished with three points (1-4 FG, 1-4 3Pt), five assists, two rebounds, two blocks and one steal in 17 minutes during Tuesday's 124-90 preseason loss to Brooklyn.

Impact O'Neale struggled from beyond the arc but contributed across several other categories, with his five assists leading Charlotte. The veteran wing should provide the Hornets with a versatile reserve capable of contributing without requiring significant offensive usage.

OCTOBER 7 • ROTOWIRE

Suns agree to $13 million, 2-year deal with veteran guard Luke Kennard, AP source says

The Phoenix Suns have agreed to a $13 million, two-year deal with veteran guard Luke Kennard, a person with knowledge of the deal said on Tuesday night

JULY 1 • Associated Press

Hornets send Miles Bridges to Phoenix Suns as offseason shakeup continues, AP source says

A person familiar with the situation says the Charlotte Hornets are trading forward Miles Bridges, a 2029 first-round draft pick and a 2027 second-round pick to the Phoenix Suns fo...

JUNE 28 • Associated Press

Traded to Charlotte O'Neale was traded to the Hornets on Sunday as part of the Miles Bridges deal, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Impact O'Neale will serve as a veteran presence in the Hornets' locker room, and he'll help backup Naz Reid. O'Neale averaged 9.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.7 triples and 1.1 steals in 28.4 minutes per game in Phoenix last season, but it will be tough to replicate those numbers operating in a reserve role in Charlotte.

JUNE 28 • ROTOWIRE

Suns keep paying the price for Royce O'Neale trade long after they've wanted him gone The Phoenix Suns paid a heavy price for Royce O'Neale, and they continue to pay for him even though they wish they could move on from this m...

JUNE 24 • VALLEYOFTHESUNS.COM

Grayson Allen surprisingly gives Suns edge that Royce O'Neale never could Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale have similar games, but Allen is the best realistic trade asset the Suns have.

MAY 30 • VALLEYOFTHESUNS.COM

Wraps up serviceable campaign O'Neale supplied eight points (3-3 FG, 2-2 3Pt), seven rebounds and two assists over 18 minutes during Monday's 131-122 loss to the Thunder in Game 4 of the first round of the West...

Impact The Suns battled plenty of injuries to their wings in 2025-26, allowing O'Neale to maintain a significant role throughout the year and draw 67 starts. Over 78 regular-season contests, the veteran swingman averaged a career-high 9.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.7 three-pointers in 28.4 minutes per game while shooting 40.8 percent from deep. O'Neale is under team control for the next two seasons.

APRIL 28 • ROTOWIRE

Just misses double-double in Game 2 O'Neale totaled 16 points (4-5 FG, 4-5 3Pt, 4-4 FT), nine rebounds, four assists and two steals across 34 minutes off the bench during Wednesday's 120-107 loss to Oklahoma City in...

Impact The veteran forward bounced back from a quiet Game 1 performance to post his best scoring effort since a March 24 start against the Nuggets. O'Neale has scored in double digits in five of his last 10 games, all with the second unit, while averaging 8.6 points, 4.8 boards, 2.2 threes, 2.1 assists and 1.0 steals in 23.9 minutes.

APRIL 23 • ROTOWIRE

Trail Blazers beat Suns 114-110 in play-in after clawing back from an 11-point 4th-quarter deficit

Deni Avdija scored 41 points — including a go-ahead 3-point play with 16.1 seconds left — and the Portland Trail Blazers clawed back from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter...

APRIL 15 • Associated Press

Good to go for Tuesday O'Neale (knee) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's Play-In Tournament game against the Trail Blazers.

Impact O'Neale was inactive for Sunday's regular-season finale due to a knee injury but is cleared for the start of the postseason Tuesday. A starter in 67 of his 78 regular-season appearances, the veteran forward has come off the bench in each of his past six contests, averaging 8.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 22.0 minutes during that span.

APRIL 14 • ROTOWIRE

Won't go Sunday O'Neale (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Oklahoma City.

Impact O'Neale will sit out Sunday's regular-season finale, though he will likely be able to return for Tuesday's Play-In Tournament matchup against the higher-seeded team between the Clippers and Trail Blazers. O'Neale will finish the 2025-26 regular season averaging a career-best 9.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.1 steals in 28.4 minutes per game across 78 outings (67 starts).

APRIL 12 • ROTOWIRE

Plays 22 minutes off bench O'Neale logged three points (1-2 FG, 1-2 3Pt), three rebounds and two assists in 22 minutes during Sunday's 120-110 win over the Bulls.

Impact Dillon Brooks picked up his 18th technical foul of the season and is facing a suspension for Tuesday's game against Houston. O'Neale has been quiet in recent weeks, but he could step into a larger role for Tuesday which would catapult him onto the streaming radar.

APRIL 6 • ROTOWIRE

Retreating to bench Tuesday O'Neale won't start Tuesday's game against the Magic.

Impact Dillon Brooks will return to the starting lineup following an extended absence due to a fractured left hand, pushing O'Neale to the second unit. Over five outings off the bench this season, the veteran forward has averaged 10.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals in 27.6 minutes per contest.

MARCH 31 • ROTOWIRE

Delivers stellar line in return O'Neale (knee) tallied 17 points (5-8 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal across 28 minutes Tuesday in the Suns' 125-123 loss to the Nugg...

Impact After missing the Suns' previous three games due to left knee soreness, O'Neale returned to his usual spot in the starting five Tuesday and supplied one of his better all-around lines of the season. O'Neale should remain a reliable streaming option for three-pointers and steals while he continues to handle a 25-plus-minute starting role, but his low usage rate (14.4 percent) and field-goal percentage (41.9 percent) caps his overall fantasy upside.

MARCH 25 • ROTOWIRE

Good to go Tuesday O'Neale (knee) is available for Tuesday's game against the Nuggets.

Impact As expected, O'Neale will shed his probable tag and return from a three-game absence due to left knee soreness. With the veteran forward back in action, there will be fewer minutes available for guys like Rasheer Fleming and Jordan Goodwin.

MARCH 25 • ROTOWIRE

Likely to play Tuesday O'Neale (knee) is probable for Tuesday's game against Denver.

Impact O'Neale has missed the previous three games due to left knee soreness but is on track to suit up Tuesday. The forward has been a fixture in Phoenix's starting lineup and is averaging 9.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals in 27.4 minutes per contest across his past 10 appearances.

MARCH 24 • ROTOWIRE

Won't suit up Sunday O'Neale (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Raptors.

Impact O'Neale will miss a third straight game due to left knee soreness, and his next opportunity to return will come Tuesday against Denver. Jordan Goodwin will likely remain in the starting five in O'Neale's absence, while Rasheer Fleming and Ryan Dunn are candidates for increased playing time.

MARCH 23 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable Sunday O'Neale (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against Toronto.

Impact O'Neale missed the last two contests because of left knee soreness. If he's out again, Jordan Goodwin, recently amassing 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal in Saturday's loss to Milwaukee, is expected to remain in the starting lineup.

MARCH 22 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out Saturday O'Neale (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Bucks.

Impact O'Neale will miss his second consecutive contest due to left knee soreness, marking the first time all season the veteran forward has been sidelined for multiple games. His absence should lead to another start for either Jordan Goodwin or Rasheer Fleming. Prior to the injury, O'Neale had been a vital floor-spacer for Phoenix, shooting 40.3 percent from deep on the season. His next opportunity to return to the lineup will come Sunday against the Raptors.

MARCH 21 • ROTOWIRE

Doubtful for Saturday O'Neale (knee) is doubtful for Saturday's game against the Bucks.

Impact O'Neale is on track to miss his second straight game, which could result in another start for Jordan Goodwin. Check back for official word on O'Neale's status closer to Saturday's tipoff.

MARCH 21 • ROTOWIRE

ROYCE O'NEALE NEWS

NEWS

BIO

STATS

VIDEOS

GAME LOG

INJURIES

Suns agree to $13 million, 2-year deal with veteran guard Luke Kennard, AP source says

Hornets send Miles Bridges to Phoenix Suns as offseason shakeup continues, AP source says

Trail Blazers beat Suns 114-110 in play-in after clawing back from an 11-point 4th-quarter deficit