The Phoenix Suns have recently made significant roster adjustments by waiving veteran forward Nassir Little and second-year guard EJ Liddell. This strategic move has left the Suns with an open roster spot and financial flexibility, imperative for a team grappling with a league-high payroll and stringent financial restrictions.
A Strategic Decision Amid Financial Constraints
With a $219 million payroll, the Suns are navigating the complexities of exceeding the "second apron" — a financial threshold that imposes substantial limitations. These include prohibitions on aggregating salaries in trades, trading for more money than they send out, and utilizing any version of the mid-level exception. Additionally, the Suns are barred from signing buyout market players whose initial salary surpassed the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
By waiving Nassir Little and EJ Liddell, the Suns can manage their payroll more effectively. Little, acquired as part of the Damian Lillard-Jrue Holiday blockbuster trade, averaged 3.4 points and 1.7 rebounds over 45 games in his sole season with Phoenix. Despite showing potential, his departure was cemented by his three-year, $21 million contract, which the Suns will address using the stretch provision. Consequently, Little will receive $3 million annually from the Suns until 2032.
The Journey of EJ Liddell
Second-year guard EJ Liddell's journey with the Suns was brief and overshadowed by injuries. Originally a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, Liddell tore his ACL during the 2022 Summer League, sidelining him for his entire rookie season. Last season, he played only eight games for the Pelicans and spent significant time in the G League to regain form and fitness.
Liddell's move to the Suns was part of a larger series of trades, initially going from the Pelicans to the Hawks in the Dejounte Murray deal, and subsequently to Phoenix in exchange for David Roddy. Unfortunately, this series of transitions did not provide him the stability needed to make a lasting impact with the Suns.
Opening Up Opportunities
The waiving of Little and Liddell opens up valuable opportunities for the Suns. Earlier this summer, the team secured the services of Tyus Jones on a minimum contract. With an open roster spot, the Suns are now in a position to scout and sign emerging talent or veterans willing to accept minimum offers, injecting fresh and potentially impactful dynamics into the team.
This decision also highlights the Suns' management's willingness to make tough calls for the long-term benefit of the team. Balancing a high payroll while seeking to remain competitive requires such strategic adjustments.
The Suns' current situation underscores the delicate balance between financial management and maintaining a robust, competitive roster. While the departure of players like Nassir Little and EJ Liddell is noteworthy, it also provides a glimpse into the Suns' future planning and adaptability in the ever-competitive landscape of the NBA.