Is Shaquille O’Neal related to Royce O’Neale? Age, Salary, and all we know about NBA star engaged to actress Paige Hurd

Basketball fans frequently wonder if players who share the same last name are related. One such case is the speculated relation between Shaquille O’Neal and Royce O’Neale. Amidst Royce and Paige Hurd's engagement announcement, the speculation has resurfaced again.

While each has found success in the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal and Royce O’Neale are not related to each other. There is no familial relationship between Shaquille O’Neal and Royce O’Neale, despite the two sharing a last name and being professional basketball players.

31 year old, O’Neale signed a four-year deal and a $44 million contract with the Phoenix Suns in 2024, cementing his status as one of the NBA’s most valuable players. On a per-year basis, this deal’s average makes his salary, $11 million.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1972, Shaquille O’Neal became known for his dominant presence on the court. He played for six teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat, throughout his stellar career, winning four championships.

On the other hand, Royce O’Neale was born in Texas in 1993. Unlike Shaq who was a first-overall draft pick, Royce wasn’t selected in the NBA draft, he played overseas before joining the Utah Jazz in 2017. He later played for the Brooklyn Nets, and was traded in 2024 to the Phoenix Suns.

According to PHNX Sports, Royce O’Neale has become a reliable two-way contributor for his ability to defend, hit a three-pointer and play multiple positions.

Royce O’Neale’s Personal Life and Engagement to Paige Hurd

Phoenix Suns forward Royce O’Neale is now engaged to actress Paige Hurd of Power Book II: Ghost. O’Neale proposed to Hurd on February 13 during a romantic getaway at Viceroy Riviera Maya in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The couple confirmed the news with a statement to People Magazine.

The proposal happened during a private candlelit dinner when O'Neale surprised Hurd with a red velvet cake with the words, “Will You Marry Me?” written on the plate.

According to People Magazine, Paige Hurd, having no idea what he had planned, was completely frozen and needed a "full minute" to get up. She said:

"During the proposal I was in such shock, it took me about a full minute to stand to my feet, I’m over the moon and so happy,"

O’Neale, equally excited, called the engagement the happiest moment of his life. The two met in early 2024 when Hurd had just sworn off dating. But O’Neale, who had admired her from afar for a long time, supposedly got close to her through kindness. Remembering his past crush on Hurd, he said:

"Couple years ago me and my friends were talking, I mentioned to them one day I will meet her, date her and marry her."

O’Neale confirmed their relationship publicly on January 1st, when he posted holiday pictures on Instagram. Later, Hurd also acknowledged their relationship with a sweet post.