In a decisive move that reverberated through the league, the Phoenix Suns waived veteran forward Nassir Little and second-year guard EJ Liddell, leaving an open roster spot as they navigate a challenging salary cap landscape. These transactions are the latest in a series of calculated decisions by Suns' management aimed at balancing talent retention and financial prudence.
Tough Choices Amid Financial Constraints
The Suns find themselves in a precarious financial situation with a league-high payroll of $219 million, which puts them over the "second apron" threshold. This financial milestone triggers multiple restrictions, including the inability to aggregate salaries in trades, trade for more money than they send out, use any version of the mid-level exception, and sign players from the buyout market whose initial salary exceeded the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. Given these limitations, the Suns' front office is compelled to make tough decisions to maintain flexibility.
Parting ways with Nassir Little, who was acquired as part of the Damian Lillard-Jrue Holiday blockbuster trade, underscores the difficult choices ahead. Little’s short stint in Phoenix, where he averaged 3.4 points and 1.7 rebounds over 45 games, did not consistently meet the team’s expectations. Financially, his remaining three years and $21 million contract would have been a significant burden. By deploying the stretch provision, the Suns will pay Little $3 million annually until 2032, easing the immediate payroll strain but extending financial obligations into the next decade.
The EJ Liddell Story
EJ Liddell's journey to Phoenix has been fraught with challenges. Initially a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, Liddell's professional career hit an early bump when he tore his ACL during the Summer League, sidelining him for his entire rookie season. Determined to bounce back, Liddell spent substantial time in the G League to regain his form and fitness. Last season, he appeared in only eight games for the Pelicans before being shuffled through a series of trades. Liddell moved to the Hawks as part of the Dejounte Murray deal and later landed in Phoenix in exchange for David Roddy.
The Suns' decision to waive Liddell reflects both his limited impact and the club’s strict financial constraints. While his potential remains clear, his prolonged recovery and lack of substantial playing time made him a casualty of the Suns' strategic maneuvering.
Opportunities and Next Steps
Despite these departures, the Suns have taken steps to shore up their roster. Earlier this summer, they secured the services of veteran guard Tyus Jones on a minimum contract, a savvy move that adds depth without straining their finances. With an open roster spot now available, the Suns have the flexibility to scout and bring in emerging talent or veterans willing to accept minimum offers—an essential strategy given their current fiscal limitations.
As the organization looks to build on a solid foundation while adhering to strict budgetary confines, the Suns' management has proven their willingness to make tough decisions for the long-term health of the franchise. These moves, while difficult, signal a clear path forward, balancing competitiveness with financial responsibility.