Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia told NBA reporter Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic that he wants to re-sign Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale this summer.
Allen and O’Neale become unrestricted free agents this offseason.
“Royce and Grayson are two great guys,” Ishbia said. “Royce is new to the organization, has done an amazing job, everything you can think of, and Grayson has been here all year. He’s been a phenomenal part of the team and the organization. We hope and expect to have both of those guys back along with keeping this core team together because we love our team and we’re going to compete at the highest level and hopefully in the playoffs very soon and see them all play together.”
The Suns acquired Allen from the Milwaukee Bucks last summer and O’Neale from the Brooklyn Nets this season. Both players have helped Phoenix become one of the top offenses in the NBA.
Allen is averaging 13.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists this season while shooting 49.7% from the field, 47.5% from beyond the arc and 89.2% from the free-throw line. He leads the NBA in 3-point field goal percentage.
O’Neale, meanwhile, is averaging 10.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists with the Suns while shooting 40.0% from the floor, 39.4% from 3 and 66.7% from the foul line.
The Suns are 37-26. They are in sixth place in the Western Conference standings.
“We’re trying to win a championship and we’re going to try this year and we’re going to figure out how to do it next year and signing free agents is what it’s going to take,” Ishbia said. “Having someone’s Bird rights gives you an advantage to keep those players even if you’re in the luxury tax. We’re not frivolous with money and just spending money to spend money. What we’re trying to do is win a championship and build the best team possible.”
