3 just-traded players Rockets should've snagged themselves

2. Royce O'Neale

Royce O’Neale is the ultimate role player who knows how to fit in. Regardless of who O’Neale has played alongside, and he’s played with some of the game’s best players, he’s been able to provide value as a two-way wing.

O’Neale has been a high-level performer in the playoffs and can do the dirty work and make the little plays that oftentimes affect the overall outcome. He’s a high-level vet who can operate as a 3-aand-D wing and can play multiple positions on the floor, fitting in with the positionless era of the NBA.

He also provides playmaking and switchability on defense, which is exactly how the Rockets want to play. O’Neale is also a proven shooter, having made 38.1 percent of his attempts from long-range in his career.

The Rockets were hoping to reel him in at the deadline but faced stiff competition, as several contending teams were also pursuing him. The Phoenix Suns ultimately nabbed him the Brooklyn Nets in a deal centered around three second-round picks, Yuta Watanabe, Keita Bates-Diop, and a pick swap.

That may sound like a lot but the Rockets could’ve pulled off a similar deal.