In a bold move that signals their commitment to financial flexibility and strategic roster management, the Phoenix Suns have waived veteran forward Nassir Little and second-year guard EJ Liddell. The decision opens up a valuable roster spot for the Suns, granting them the opportunity to scout and sign new talent or bring in veterans willing to accept minimum offers.
The Suns, known for their heavy payroll—which tops the league at $219 million—are navigating the complexities of the NBA's financial regulations. The team is currently exceeding the "second apron," a financial threshold that imposes significant limitations. This restrictive cap environment precludes the Suns from aggregating salaries in trades, trading for more money than they send out, using any version of the mid-level exception, or signing players from the buyout market whose initial salary exceeded the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
Strategic Financial Moves
Waiving Nassir Little and deploying the stretch provision is part of the Suns' strategy to manage their financial commitments wisely. Little, who was initially acquired as part of the Damian Lillard-Jrue Holiday blockbuster trade, averaged 3.4 points and 1.7 rebounds over 45 games during his only season with Phoenix. With three years and $21 million remaining on his contract, the Suns opted to pay him $3 million annually until 2032 rather than absorb his entire contract in the short term.
This calculated decision underscores the Suns' willingness to make tough calls to maintain their long-term financial health. Little's departure, despite his limited statistical impact last season, reflects a broader strategy aimed at leveraging every possible dollar to maximize the team's performance under the existing financial constraints.
EJ Liddell's Journey
The release of EJ Liddell, on the other hand, is steeped in both opportunity and unfortunate circumstances. Originally a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, Liddell's initial NBA journey was abruptly halted by a torn ACL during the Summer League that year, sidelining him for his entire rookie season. He managed to play only eight games for the Pelicans last season, spending a significant portion of his time in the G League to regain his form and fitness.
Liddell's journey saw him move from the Pelicans to the Hawks as part of the Dejounte Murray deal and eventually to the Suns in exchange for David Roddy. Despite these transitions, his time on the court has been limited, and the Suns' decision to waive him reflects their need to optimize their roster for immediate impact players.
Next Steps for the Suns
With an open roster spot now available, the Suns are positioned to scout and potentially sign emerging talent or experienced players willing to accept minimum contracts. This strategy is consistent with their recent acquisition of Tyus Jones, secured on a minimum contract earlier this summer.
The Suns' management has demonstrated a firm commitment to crafting a competitive team while adhering to rigorous financial constraints. The front office's willingness to make difficult decisions, such as waiving Little and Liddell, is indicative of their broader strategy to balance talent acquisition with fiscal prudence.
As the Suns navigate the nuances of NBA financial regulations and continue to build their roster, keeping this open spot provides flexibility and an edge in the dynamic landscape of professional basketball. Suns fans will be watching closely as the team seeks to fill this vacancy wisely, with hopes of a successful season ahead.