The Phoenix Suns have made strategic moves as they gear up for the 2024-25 NBA season, waiving veteran forward Nassir Little and second-year guard EJ Liddell. This decision leaves the Suns with an open roster spot, signaling potential future acquisitions or flexibility as they navigate the complexities of their current financial constraints.
Financial Constraints and Roster Moves
With a league-high payroll of $219 million, the Suns find themselves exceeding the "second apron," a financial threshold that comes with significant limitations. These constraints mean that the Suns cannot aggregate salaries in trades, trade for more money than they send out, or use any version of the mid-level exception. Furthermore, they are unable to sign players from the buyout market whose initial salary exceeded the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. This financial pressure has undoubtedly influenced their recent decisions.
The inclusion of Nassir Little in the recent wave of roster changes has been particularly noteworthy. Acquiring Little as part of the Damian Lillard-Jrue Holiday blockbuster trade, the Suns had high hopes for the former first-round pick. However, in his sole season with Phoenix, Little's performance fell short of expectations, averaging just 3.4 points and 1.7 rebounds over 45 games. The Suns have now decided to deploy the stretch provision in waiving Little, a move that will distribute his remaining salary over the next seven seasons. Thus, Little, who had three years and $21 million left on his contract, will receive $3 million annually from the Suns until 2032.
This financial maneuvering creates some breathing room for Phoenix, yet it also binds them to Little's salary for years to come. The decision underscores the balancing act the Suns are performing between maintaining a competitive roster and managing their fiscal limitations.
The Case of EJ Liddell
Second-year guard EJ Liddell also finds himself waived as part of the Suns' offseason adjustments. Originally a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, Liddell's NBA journey has been marred by injuries. A torn ACL during the Summer League in 2022 sidelined him for his entire rookie season. Despite showing promise, Liddell played only eight games for the Pelicans last season, spending significant time in the G League to regain form and fitness.
Liddell’s career has been characterized by a series of trades. He moved from the Pelicans to the Hawks as part of the Dejounte Murray deal, before being sent to the Suns in exchange for David Roddy. Despite his potential, the Suns have opted to waive Liddell, possibly to free up space and resources for other strategic moves.
Looking Ahead
While these roster adjustments have been necessary, the Suns are not completely without options. Earlier this summer, they secured the services of Tyus Jones on a minimum contract, a shrewd move aiming to add depth without exacerbating their already hefty payroll. Additionally, the open roster spot presents an opportunity to scout and sign emerging talent or veterans willing to accept minimum offers.
The team's current financial stance places them in a delicate position. The challenge lies in optimizing their roster composition while adhering to the stringent rules governing their high payroll. Nevertheless, the Suns' management has shown a willingness to make tough decisions, reflecting a commitment to staying competitive in an increasingly challenging financial landscape.
Nassir Little and EJ Liddell’s releases are emblematic of the broader strategy the Suns are implementing to manage their roster effectively amidst financial constraints. These moves could be the prelude to more significant adjustments as the team seeks to maintain its competitive edge in the NBA.
The upcoming season will reveal how these changes impact the Suns' performance on the court. Given their financial limitations and recent strategic decisions, the Suns will need to capitalize on their existing talent and potential future acquisitions to stay competitive. The team's ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in determining their success in the 2024-25 NBA season and beyond.