10 Dream trade targets for the Timberwolves (and what'd it cost to acquire them)
By Austin McGee
8. Royce O'Neale
What it'd cost: Young players, second-round draft capital
One of the most sought-after players on the trade market, Brooklyn Nets' forward Royce O'Neale has been linked to numerous teams leading up to the deadline.
Although originally thought to be acquired using a first-round pick, O'Neale's value has lessened as of late. The reeling Nets likely would accept a couple of second-rounders or a young player for the veteran wing.
After beginning the season 13-11, Brooklyn has spiraled downward, losing 17 of their last 23 games. The 30-year-old wing doesn't fit well on a losing squad. He's the prototypical, low-usage glue guy. On the season, O'Neale is averaging 7.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while canning 36.1 percent of his triples.
Amongst all qualifiers, O'Neale ranks in the bottom 20 in usage rate. He's a plug-and-play forward, capable of fitting in seamlessly with any squad. Nearly 92 percent of his 3-point looks are assisted. He's never once had a season where below 85 percent of his triples came from assists.
This season, a career-high 81.5 percent of his field goal attempts are coming from beyond the arc. Beyond his 3-point marksmanship, the Baylor product is a fine defender. The top five players he's spent the most time defending this season are all or have been All-Stars in the past.
The Nets are loaded at the wing position, thus making O'Neale expendable. The biggest need in Brooklyn is easily a point guard. While Minnesota doesn't have a natural point guard to give, tacking on Shake Milton and two future second-rounders may just do the trick.