Suns Make Bold Decisions, Waive Little and Liddell
In a significant move aimed at reconfiguring their roster, the Phoenix Suns have announced the release of veteran forward Nassir Little and second-year guard EJ Liddell. This decision has opened up a roster spot that could potentially be used to scout and sign emerging talent or veterans willing to accept minimum offers.
The Suns' front office is no stranger to making tough decisions, and the move to release both players underscores their commitment to ensuring the team's financial viability and on-court success.
Financial Ramifications
With the league's highest payroll at $219 million, the Suns are treading the treacherous waters of the NBA's financial landscape. They have exceeded the "second apron," a financial threshold that places significant limitations on the team’s transactions. These restrictions mean that the Suns cannot aggregate salaries in trades, trade for more money than they send out, use any version of the mid-level exception, or sign players from the buyout market whose initial salary exceeded the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
By waiving Little, who still had three years and $21 million left on his contract, the Suns will deploy the stretch provision. This will allow them to pay Little $3 million annually until 2032, easing the immediate financial burden but extending the financial commitment over a longer period.
Nassir Little's Tenure with Phoenix
Acquired as part of the blockbuster trade involving Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday, Nassir Little's tenure with the Suns was brief and largely underwhelming. Averaging just 3.4 points and 1.7 rebounds over 45 games, Little struggled to find his footing in Phoenix. Despite his potential, the front office deemed it necessary to part ways in order to pursue other strategic options.
EJ Liddell's Journey
EJ Liddell's path to Phoenix was marked by a series of trades and setbacks. Originally a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, Liddell's rookie season was derailed by an ACL tear during the Summer League. This injury sidelined him for his entire rookie campaign, leading to a limited appearance of just eight games last season.
Liddell spent a significant amount of time in the G League, working tirelessly to regain his form and fitness. His journey saw him move from the Pelicans to the Atlanta Hawks as part of the Dejounte Murray deal, before eventually landing in Phoenix in exchange for David Roddy.
Looking Forward
Earlier this summer, the Suns bolstered their backcourt by securing Tyus Jones on a minimum contract. The release of Little and Liddell provides them with the flexibility to scout and potentially sign new talent, whether it be emerging youth or seasoned veterans willing to join on minimum deals.
The Suns' management continues to exhibit a willingness to make difficult, yet necessary decisions in their quest for sustainable success. As the season progresses, it will be intriguing to see how this newly created roster spot will be utilized and what strategic moves will follow to enhance the team’s prospects.
While the moves may come as a surprise to some fans, they are indicative of a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes both financial prudence and competitive excellence. The Suns' journey under these new constraints will undoubtedly be one to watch, as they balance their ambitious payroll with the need for on-court performance.