The Phoenix Suns have made a bold and strategic move by waiving veteran forward Nassir Little and second-year guard EJ Liddell, leaving an open spot on their roster. While this decision may come as a surprise to some, it's a calculated step by a franchise that already leads the league with a $219 million payroll.
Financial Constraints and Roster Moves
With their salary cap exceeding the "second apron," the Suns face significant financial limitations, which include restrictions on aggregating salaries in trades, trading for more money than they send out, and using any version of the mid-level exception. The team also cannot sign players from the buyout market whose initial salary exceeded the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. These constraints have necessitated some tough decisions by the Suns management.
Nassir Little, who was 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. Little had three years and $21 million left on his contract, but the Suns have opted to deploy the stretch provision in waiving him. This means Little will receive $3 million annually from the Suns until 2032. This move is intended to provide the team with more financial flexibility in the long run, although it will still be a significant cost spread out over a lengthy period.
The Story of EJ Liddell
Second-year guard EJ Liddell has had his share of challenges since being a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022. Liddell tore his ACL during the Summer League in 2022, sidelining him for his entire rookie season. Last season, he played only eight games for the Pelicans and spent a significant amount of time in the G League to regain his form and fitness. Liddell moved from the Pelicans to the Hawks as part of the Dejounte Murray deal, and then to the Suns in exchange for David Roddy. Despite his potential, the Suns have decided to release him, likely due to his injury history and the need for more immediate contributions to the team.
Open Roster Spot and Future Opportunities
The waiving of Little and Liddell leaves the Suns with an open roster spot, providing an opportunity to scout and sign emerging talent or veterans willing to accept minimum offers. Earlier this summer, the Suns secured the services of Tyus Jones on a minimum contract, indicating their strategy of balancing high salaries with cost-effective additions.
By opening up a roster spot, the Suns’ management has shown a willingness to make tough decisions that could ultimately benefit the team. The move suggests that they are actively looking for opportunities to enhance their squad within the financial limitations they face.
The challenges posed by exceeding the second apron make the Suns' decision-making process particularly complex. Not being able to use the mid-level exception or participate in favorable trade scenarios limits their flexibility. However, the approach they've taken suggests a keen awareness of their financial landscape and a commitment to sustaining competitiveness despite these constraints.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the Suns leverage this newly available roster spot. Will they bring in a seasoned veteran who can contribute immediately, or will they take a chance on a younger player with high upside? The team's management has already demonstrated a blend of risk-taking and strategic caution, setting the stage for what could be a series of smart, impactful moves.
In conclusion, while waiving Nassir Little and EJ Liddell may appear to be a difficult choice on the surface, it is part of a broader, calculated strategy to optimize the Suns' roster and financial position. This flexibility is crucial for a team operating under significant financial constraints with championship aspirations. The Suns' management seems poised to navigate these challenges with a blend of prudence and boldness that could pay dividends in the long run.