The Phoenix Suns have made a bold move by waiving veteran forward Nassir Little and second-year guard EJ Liddell, decisions that leave the team with an open roster spot as they prepare for the upcoming season. These strategic releases come amidst financial constraints and roster recalibration, reflecting the Suns' management's willingness to make tough, albeit necessary, decisions.
Financial Implications and Strategic Adjustments
The Suns, currently burdened with a league-high payroll of $219 million, are exceeding the "second apron"—a financial threshold that imposes significant restrictions on their operational flexibility. As a result, the Suns find themselves unable 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. These limitations necessitate meticulous financial and roster planning, with each move carrying considerable weight.
The decision to waive Nassir Little is a prime example of strategic flexibility within stringent constraints. Little, who was acquired as part of the Damian Lillard-Jrue Holiday blockbuster trade, struggled to make a significant impact during his stint with the Suns. Averaging just 3.4 points and 1.7 rebounds over 45 games, Little's performance did not justify the three years and $21 million remaining on his contract. Consequently, the Suns have opted to deploy the stretch provision, effectively spreading his $21 million salary over the next nine years, which will see Little receiving $3 million annually until 2032. This maneuver allows the Suns to alleviate some immediate financial pressure while maintaining long-term financial discipline.
The Challenge of Rising Talent and Tough Decisions
Second-year guard EJ Liddell's release follows a challenging early career marked by significant setbacks. Originally drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, Liddell's rookie season was derailed by a torn ACL suffered during the Summer League. After a season spent largely regaining form and fitness in the G League, Liddell played only eight games for the Pelicans before being traded twice—first to the Hawks as part of the Dejounte Murray deal and then to the Suns in exchange for David Roddy. Despite his potential and efforts, Liddell couldn’t carve out a long-term role with the Suns.
Earlier this summer, the Suns made the savvy acquisition of Tyus Jones on a minimum contract, showcasing their ability to identify value and talent within the financial constraints. Jones' addition provides the team with a reliable guard option as they navigate a competitive Western Conference. With an open roster spot, the Suns now have the flexibility to scout and sign emerging talent or veterans willing to accept minimum offers, presenting a valuable opportunity to bolster their depth.
Looking Ahead
The Suns' management has demonstrated a clear commitment to maintaining competitiveness while adhering to the stringent financial limitations imposed by the "second apron." By making difficult decisions such as waiving Little and Liddell, the Suns have showcased their strategic acumen in optimizing their roster under challenging circumstances.
As the Suns move forward, their focus will likely be on maximizing the potential of their existing roster while remaining vigilant for opportunities to add talent that aligns with their financial and strategic objectives. The open roster spot offers a chance to bring in a player who can make a meaningful impact, further enhancing the Suns' prospects for the upcoming season.
In an era where financial prudence and strategic roster management are paramount, the Suns’ recent decisions underscore their proactive approach to securing sustained success. The upcoming season will test the effectiveness of these moves, with the team's performance on the court serving as the ultimate measure of their off-court strategies.