The Phoenix Suns have made significant changes to their roster, deciding to waive veteran forward Nassir Little and second-year guard EJ Liddell. This strategic decision has left the Suns with an open roster spot and underscored their tough financial and roster-management challenges.
The Suns have the highest payroll in the league, standing at a staggering $219 million. This hefty sum has placed them beyond the NBA’s “second apron”—a financial threshold that comes with a host of restrictive limitations. Due to this, the Suns find themselves unable to aggregate salaries in trades, bring in more money than they send out in trades, or utilize any version of the mid-level exception. Furthermore, they cannot sign players from the buyout market whose initial salary was over the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. This financial position has forced the Suns to be particularly shrewd with their roster decisions.
Nassir Little's Brief Tenure
Nassir Little, who was acquired as part of the blockbuster trade involving Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday, had a shorter-than-expected stint with the Suns. Over 45 games in his sole season with Phoenix, Little averaged 3.4 points and 1.7 rebounds. The 23-year-old forward had three years and $21 million left on his contract. By waiving Little and deploying the stretch provision, the Suns will now pay him $3 million annually through 2032.
Little's departure is a testament to the difficult decisions the Suns' management is willing to make to adhere to financial constraints while aiming to remain competitive. Despite the financial burdens, these calculated moves open the door for the Suns to target emerging talents or seasoned veterans amenable to minimum offers.
EJ Liddell: A Career Dotted with Challenges
EJ Liddell, a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, faced significant setbacks early in his professional career. A torn ACL during the 2022 Summer League sidelined him for his entire rookie season. Last season, Liddell played in only eight games for the Pelicans and spent considerable 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. He then landed with the Suns in exchange for David Roddy. Despite his potential, the Suns decided to waive Liddell, marking another chapter in his tumultuous career.
New Opportunities and Future Prospects
Earlier this summer, the Suns secured the services of Tyus Jones on a minimum contract. This move could hint at the team’s strategy to fill vacant spots with savvy, low-cost signings who can contribute effectively within their financial constraints. With an open roster spot available, the Suns have the flexibility to scout and sign emerging talent or veterans willing to accept minimum offers. This approach allows them to navigate their financial limitations while keeping an eye on enhancing roster depth and on-court performance.
The Suns’ willingness to make tough decisions in light of their financial constraints demonstrates a proactive approach to roster management. Each move appears to be a calculated step towards balancing talent acquisition and financial prudence.
As the season progresses, these recent changes will undoubtedly be scrutinized in the context of the Suns’ overall performance. How they manage to integrate new talent into their roster while dealing with the constraints of the second apron will be pivotal in their quest for success. Nonetheless, these bold decisions reflect a franchise determined to navigate complex financial waters while remaining competitive on the court.
