The Phoenix Suns have made significant roster adjustments, waiving veteran forward Nassir Little and second-year guard EJ Liddell. This decision opens a roster spot for the team's management to potentially scout and sign emerging talent or veterans willing to accept minimum offers.
The Suns are operating with the league's highest payroll at $219 million, a figure that exceeds the "second apron" financial threshold. This high payroll has imposed critical limitations on the organization, including restrictions on aggregating salaries in trades, acquiring players for more money than they send out, using any version of the mid-level exception, and signing players from the buyout market whose initial salary exceeded the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
Nassir Little's Brief Stint
Nassir Little's tenure with the Suns was short-lived. Acquired as part of the blockbuster trade involving Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday, Little played 45 games in his sole season with Phoenix, averaging 3.4 points and 1.7 rebounds per game. The Suns have decided to employ the stretch provision in waiving Little, who had three years and $21 million remaining on his contract. As a result, Little will receive $3 million annually from the Suns until 2032. This long commitment underscores the financial complexity and strategic considerations involved in the decision to let him go.
EJ Liddell's Journey
Second-year guard EJ Liddell also finds himself waived by the Suns. Originally a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, Liddell's rookie season was marred by an ACL tear during the Summer League, which sidelined him for the entirety of the season. Liddell appeared in only eight games for the Pelicans last season and spent significant time in the G League to regain his form and fitness.
Liddell's journey took several turns, moving from the Pelicans to the Atlanta Hawks as part of the Dejounte Murray deal, and subsequently being sent to the Suns in exchange for David Roddy. Despite these transitions, Liddell struggled to secure a lasting spot on an NBA roster, leading to the Suns' decision to waive him.
Strategic Decisions Amid Financial Constraints
The release of Little and Liddell illustrates the Suns' management's willingness to make tough decisions in light of their financial and competitive landscape. With the highest payroll in the league and the constraints of the second apron, the Suns are navigating a complex web of financial restrictions. By opening a roster spot, the team has positioned itself to potentially enhance its lineup with a strategically savvy acquisition, focusing on players who could be impactful yet financially feasible under a minimum contract.
Earlier this summer, the Suns made a notable move by securing the services of Tyus Jones on a minimum contract. This signing aligns with the team's current strategy of balancing competitive talent acquisition with stringent financial oversight.
Overall, the Suns' recent decisions reflect a proactive approach to roster management amid substantial financial barriers. As the team eyes future opportunities, the newly available roster spot provides flexibility for scouting and acquiring the right fit, whether it be an emerging talent or a seasoned veteran willing to accept the constraints of a minimum deal.