The Phoenix Suns have made a significant move by waiving veteran forward Nassir Little and second-year guard EJ Liddell. This decision comes as a strategic maneuver to address their financial constraints while maintaining flexibility in their roster.
Rationale Behind the Decision
The Suns, carrying a league-high payroll of $219 million, find themselves exceeding the "second apron" — a financial threshold that imposes substantial limitations. This means they face several restrictions: they cannot aggregate salaries in trades, cannot trade for more money than they send out, cannot use any version of the mid-level exception, and cannot sign players from the buyout market whose initial salary exceeded the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. The release of Little and Liddell is a clear indication of the Suns' management taking a stringent approach to maneuver within these financial limitations.
Nassir Little's Brief Stint
Originally acquired as part of the Damian Lillard-Jrue Holiday blockbuster trade, Nassir Little's time with the Suns has been fleeting. In his sole season with Phoenix, Little averaged 3.4 points and 1.7 rebounds over 45 games. Despite his potential, these figures did not justify his remaining three years and $21 million contract. By deploying the stretch provision, the Suns have managed to stretch his $21 million contract over the next several years, resulting in Little receiving $3 million annually until 2032.
EJ Liddell’s Journey
EJ Liddell’s journey in the league has been marred by injury and trades. The second-year guard, originally a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, faced a significant setback when he tore his ACL during the 2022 Summer League. This injury sidelined him for the entirety of his rookie season. After regaining form and fitness through significant time in the G League, Liddell played only eight games for the Pelicans last season.
Subsequently, Liddell became part of the Dejounte Murray deal, moving to the Atlanta Hawks before eventually landing with the Suns in exchange for David Roddy. Despite his potential, the Suns have opted to release Liddell, further emphasizing their focus on financial prudence and flexibility.
Future Prospects for the Suns
With the departure of Little and Liddell, the Suns now have an open roster spot. This offers them a unique opportunity to scout and sign emerging talent or veterans willing to accept minimum offers. Earlier this summer, the Suns secured the services of Tyus Jones on a minimum contract, indicating their strategy to bolster the roster without incurring hefty expenses.
In a league where financial management is as critical as on-court performance, the Suns’ management has again demonstrated a willingness to make tough decisions. As they navigate these financial waters, the flexibility gained from these recent moves could prove crucial for their future transactions and overall success.
The months ahead will likely see the Suns exploring various avenues to fill their open roster spot. Whether it’s a young up-and-comer from the developmental leagues or a seasoned veteran looking for another opportunity, the Suns are now better positioned to make calculated additions that align with their financial strategy.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how these decisions will impact the Suns' performance on the court. While the immediate implications of waiving Little and Liddell reflect fiscal responsibility, the long-term effects will hinge on the strategic moves that follow. Indeed, these decisions underscore the intricate balance between managing finances and fielding a competitive team, a challenge that the Suns' front office appears ready to meet head-on.