The Phoenix Suns made headlines today as they announced the waiving of veteran forward Nassir Little and second-year guard EJ Liddell. This decision opens up a roster spot for the team, providing flexibility as they navigate the financial restrictions imposed by their hefty payroll.
The Suns' $219 million payroll is not only the highest in the league but also places the team in a financial stratum known as the "second apron." This threshold comes with significant limitations, affecting their operations in the trade market and free agency. Among these constraints, the Suns are unable to aggregate salaries in trades, cannot trade for more money than they send out, and are not permitted to use any version of the mid-level exception. Additionally, the team cannot sign players from the buyout market whose initial salary exceeded the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
Nassir Little's Brief Tenure
Nassir Little, acquired as part of the Damian Lillard-Jrue Holiday blockbuster trade, had a fleeting stint with the Suns. Over 45 games, Little averaged a modest 3.4 points and 1.7 rebounds. Despite his limited impact on the court, Little's contract carried significant weight. With three years and $21 million left, the Suns have opted to deploy the stretch provision in his waiving. This means Little will receive $3 million annually from the Suns until 2032. The decision to cut ties with Little is emblematic of the tough financial choices the Suns' management has had to make under their current payroll constraints.
The Journey of EJ Liddell
EJ Liddell's path to the Suns has been anything but straightforward. Originally a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, Liddell faced a major setback when he tore his ACL during the Summer League, sidelining him for his entire rookie season. Last season, he played just eight games for the Pelicans and spent considerable time in the G League to regain form and fitness.
Liddell's travels continued as he was traded from the Pelicans to the Atlanta Hawks as part of the Dejounte Murray deal, and subsequently moved to Phoenix in exchange for David Roddy. Despite his potential, the Suns' current financial situation and roster considerations have led to his departure.
Financial and Roster Implications
With the waiving of Little and Liddell, the Suns now have an open roster spot, providing them a strategic opportunity to scout and sign emerging talent or veterans willing to accept minimum offers. Earlier this summer, the Suns capitalized on a similar opportunity by securing Tyus Jones on a minimum contract. This suggests a continued focus on adding depth without exacerbating their financial situation.
The Suns’ readiness to make tough decisions in order to comply with NBA financial regulations is evident. Under the current constraints, every roster move is critical. These decisions will be closely scrutinized as they balance the need for talent with the necessity of financial prudence.
While the Suns have shown resilience in maintaining a competitive roster despite financial limitations, the true test will be how well they leverage the open roster spot and navigate the season ahead. The next steps for the Suns could be pivotal in sustaining their ambition of being a top contender in the league.
In the high-stakes world of NBA management, the Suns' recent moves underscore the complexity and nuance required to balance competitive aspirations with fiscal responsibility. As the season unfolds, their strategy will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike, eager to see how these roster decisions impact their performance on the court.