The Phoenix Suns have made a significant roster decision by waiving veteran forward Nassir Little and second-year guard EJ Liddell. This move opens up a roster spot for the Suns, who already have the highest payroll in the league at $219 million and are above the "second apron," a financial threshold with significant restrictions.
A Financially Constrained Team
Navigating the financial complexities of NBA team management, the Suns find themselves in a unique position. Exceeding the "second apron" limits their flexibility in several ways: they cannot aggregate salaries in trades, trade for more money than they send out, or use any version of the mid-level exception. Additionally, they're barred from signing players from the buyout market whose starting salary exceeded the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. This fiscal rigidity leaves little room for maneuverability in an already tight roster budget.
The Departure of Nassir Little
Acquired as part of the blockbuster Damian Lillard-Jrue Holiday trade, Nassir Little's tenure with the Suns was brief. He played 45 games, averaging 3.4 points and 1.7 rebounds. Little was set to receive $21 million over the next three years, but the Suns plan to deploy the stretch provision, spreading his $21 million salary over multiple years. This decision means Little will receive $3 million annually from the Suns until 2032, easing the immediate financial burden on the team.
EJ Liddell: A Brief but Eventful Stint
Second-year guard EJ Liddell's journey in the NBA has been turbulent. Originally a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, Liddell's promising rookie season was cut short due to an ACL injury sustained during the Summer League. He missed the entire season but managed to return to play eight games for the Pelicans last season. Much of his time was spent in the G League, where he worked on regaining his form and fitness.
Liddell's movement didn't stop there. He was traded from the Pelicans to the Hawks as part of the deal for Dejounte Murray before eventually being sent to the Suns in exchange for David Roddy. Despite his efforts to find a stable spot in the league, his time with the Suns concludes as the team prioritizes other needs.
Potential New Opportunities
While these roster adjustments close one chapter, they open another. The Suns now have an open roster spot to scout and sign emerging talent or veterans willing to accept minimum offers. Earlier this summer, the Suns enhanced their point guard depth by signing Tyus Jones on a minimum contract, a move that demonstrated the team's focus on strategic, financially sound acquisitions.
Tough Decisions Ahead
With the Suns management evidently willing to make difficult choices, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this open roster spot is utilized. The decision to waive Little and Liddell provides a clearer picture of the team's strategy moving forward, emphasizing the importance of both immediate performance and long-term financial health.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see what additional moves the Suns' front office makes. In a competitive league where each decision can significantly impact a team's dynamics and performance, the Suns must balance financial constraints with the pursuit of basketball excellence.