The Phoenix Suns have made significant roster changes, waiving veteran forward Nassir Little and second-year guard EJ Liddell. This decision leaves the Suns with an open roster spot and comes as the team navigates its way through stringent financial constraints imposed by the NBA’s second apron.
Impact on the Roster
With a league-high payroll of $219 million, the Suns are exceeding the second apron, a financial threshold with significant limitations. Exceeding this threshold restricts the team from aggregating salaries in trades, trading for more money than they send out, using any version of the mid-level exception, and signing players from the buyout market whose initial salary exceeded the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
The move to waive Nassir Little and EJ Liddell creates an opportunity for the Suns to scout and sign emerging talent or veterans willing to accept minimum offers. This strategy could offer flexibility as the team looks to make the most out of its constrained financial situation.
Nassir Little’s Tenure
Nassir Little, who was acquired as 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. Despite being a dependable presence on the court, Little’s release seems to be a strategic move aligned with the Suns’ financial goals. In waiving Little, the Suns will deploy the stretch provision, which allows them to spread out his remaining salary cap hit over a longer period. Little had three years and $21 million left on his contract, and he will receive $3 million annually from the Suns until 2032.
Liddell’s Journey
Second-year guard EJ Liddell was originally a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022. However, his rookie season was derailed by an ACL injury during the Summer League in 2022, sidelining him for the entire year. After significant time in the G League to regain form and fitness, Liddell played only eight games for the Pelicans last season. His journey took another turn when he moved from the Pelicans to the Hawks as part of the Dejounte Murray trade before eventually being sent to the Suns in exchange for David Roddy.
Despite the challenges and setbacks faced by Liddell, the Suns’ management has shown a willingness to make tough decisions for the long-term benefit of the team. Liddell’s release, like Little’s, provides needed flexibility under the financial constraints of the second apron.
Future Prospects
Earlier this summer, the Suns secured the services of Tyus Jones on a minimum contract. The addition of Jones reflects the Suns' strategy of optimizing their roster composition while adhering to financial limitations. With an open roster spot now available, the Suns have the latitude to scout and sign emerging talent or veterans willing to accept minimum offers.
The Suns’ management has demonstrated a pragmatic approach in their recent decisions, balancing the need for financial control with the pursuit of talent that can contribute to the team's aspirations. As the Suns navigate these financial constraints, maintaining roster flexibility will be critical in their quest for sustained success.
This series of moves marks a significant period for the Suns, as they attempt to position themselves for competitive success within the confines of a restrictive financial landscape. By making these tough decisions, the Suns are maintaining a delicate balance between immediate competitiveness and long-term financial prudence.