The Minnesota Timberwolves are exploring a potential trade for Royce O’Neale as they continue reshaping their roster around Anthony Edwards following their second-round playoff exit, according to Evan Sidery.
“The Timberwolves are showing trade interest in Royce O’Neale, which could lead to combining the LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges transactions,” Sidery reported on Thursday. “After being sent from the Suns to the Hornets, O’Neale could be on the move yet again. Minnesota is still waiting on LeBron James as well.”
O’Neale became available after being included in the Charlotte Hornets’ trade with the Phoenix Suns centered around Miles Bridges. Phoenix acquired Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick, while Charlotte received O’Neale, Grayson Allen and an additional unprotected 2033 first-round pick as part of its offseason rebuild.
The 33-year-old forward would provide Minnesota with another experienced wing defender and perimeter shooter. O’Neale averaged 9.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 78 games for Phoenix during the 2025-26 season, starting 67 contests while shooting 42.1% from the field and 40.8% from three-point range on 6.7 attempts per game.
Minnesota finished the 2025-26 regular season with a 49-33 record, earning the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference before advancing past Denver in the first round. The Timberwolves were eliminated by San Antonio in the conference semifinals, losing the series 4-2.
The front office has been aggressive this offseason, most notably acquiring LaMelo Ball from Charlotte in a blockbuster trade. Minnesota sent Naz Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, multiple pick swaps and second-round selections to land Ball and Josh Green while creating additional financial flexibility. Additionally, the team traded Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets as part of the broader financial reset.
