Suns Make Tough Roster Moves, Navigate Financial Challenges
The Phoenix Suns have made critical adjustments to their roster by waiving veteran forward Nassir Little and second-year guard EJ Liddell. This decision opens up a roster spot and illustrates the management's strategic maneuvering within the constraints of their financial situation.
The Suns are currently operating with a league-high payroll of $219 million, significantly exceeding the "second apron" threshold. Crossing this financial line imposes stringent restrictions on the team's operational flexibility.
Among these limitations, the Suns cannot aggregate salaries in trades or trade for more money than they send out. Moreover, they are prohibited from using any version of the mid-level exception and are unable to sign players from the buyout market whose initial salary exceeded the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. These constraints require the team to be exceptionally judicious in their roster management and player acquisitions.
Nassir Little, a player acquired as part of the Damian Lillard-Jrue Holiday blockbuster trade, averaged 3.4 points and 1.7 rebounds over 45 games in his short stint with Phoenix. Despite his potential, the decision to waive Little was likely influenced by both his limited impact on the court and his substantial remaining contract. With three years and $21 million left on his deal, the Suns will employ the stretch provision, allowing them to pay Little $3 million annually until 2032. This move alleviates some financial burden in the short term, but it extends the cap hit over a longer period.
EJ Liddell's journey in the NBA has been fraught with challenges. Initially a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, his rookie season was derailed by an ACL tear during the Summer League, sidelining him for the entire year. Last season, he managed to play in just eight games for the Pelicans and spent considerable time in the G League to regain his form and fitness. Liddell found himself on the move again, first to the Hawks as part of the Dejounte Murray deal, and then to the Suns in exchange for David Roddy. Despite his potential, the Suns have decided to part ways with Liddell, aiming to optimize their roster under tight financial constraints.
Despite these tough decisions, the Suns have demonstrated forward-thinking by securing Tyus Jones earlier this summer on a minimum contract. This strategic acquisition hints at the Suns' approach to balancing talent with financial prudence. With the newly created open roster spot, the team has the flexibility to scout and sign emerging talents or seasoned veterans willing to accept minimum offers.
The Suns' management has clearly shown a willingness to make difficult decisions to navigate their financial landscape while striving to maintain a competitive edge. As they continue to maneuver within these constraints, their ability to identify and acquire undervalued talent will be crucial in achieving their long-term goals.