In a surprising roster move, the Phoenix Suns have waived veteran forward Nassir Little and second-year guard EJ Liddell, opening up a key roster spot as the team prepares for the upcoming season. This decision comes amid financial constraints as the Suns navigate the complexities of the NBA salary cap, with a league-high payroll of $219 million exceeding the "second apron" threshold.
Financial Constraints and Roster Flexibility
The second apron is a financial checkpoint that comes with several limitations for NBA teams, and the Suns are feeling the impact. By surpassing this threshold, the Suns face numerous restrictions, such as the inability to 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. Despite these constraints, the front office has found ways to make strategic decisions to adjust the roster.
Nassir Little's inclusion as part of the Damian Lillard-Jrue Holiday blockbuster trade initially signaled significant potential for the Suns. However, his tenure with the team was short-lived, and it appears his performance fell short of expectations. Little averaged modest numbers, with 3.4 points and 1.7 rebounds over 45 games during his sole season in Phoenix. Now, as the Suns waive Little, they will utilize the stretch provision to manage the finances of his contract, spreading his remaining $21 million over several years. Specifically, Little will receive $3 million annually from the Suns until 2032.
EJ Liddell’s Journey and Transition
For EJ Liddell, the journey in the NBA has been a tumultuous one. Originally a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, Liddell’s rookie season was derailed by an ACL injury sustained during the Summer League, sidelining him entirely. In an effort to regain form and fitness, he spent significant time in the G League last season before making limited appearances for the Pelicans.
Liddell’s movements continued as he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks as part of the Dejounte Murray deal, and subsequently to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for David Roddy. Despite these transactions, he struggled to find a permanent foothold in the league, playing only eight games last season. His departure from the Suns is another step in his ongoing quest for stability in the NBA.
Strategic Openings and Future Opportunities
The Suns now have an open roster spot, granting them the opportunity to scout and acquire emerging talent or veterans willing to accept minimum offers. This flexibility can be crucial for a team looking to make strategic additions without exacerbating their financial limitations.
Earlier this summer, the Suns demonstrated a shrewd approach to their roster by securing Tyus Jones on a minimum contract, a move that aligns with their current strategy under financial restrictions. Management's willingness to make tough decisions highlights a commitment to fielding a competitive team despite budgetary constraints.
As the Suns navigate these financial challenges, their focus remains on optimizing their roster while adhering to league regulations. The departure of Nassir Little and EJ Liddell may just be the beginning of a series of strategic moves aimed at bolstering the team’s performance without compromising their economic stability. With an open roster spot available, the Suns have an opportunity to bring in new talent that fits their financial and competitive criteria, potentially setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead.