The Phoenix Suns are set to waive wings Nassir Little and E.J. Liddell, creating a roster spot as the start of training camp approaches in just over a month, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
these decisions reflect the Suns’ desire to explore external options while demonstrating confidence in their rookies, Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro, as Charania notes.
Charania also states that the Suns will stretch the remaining three years and $22 million on Little’s contract, which will provide immediate cap space along with the open roster position. This means the salary will be distributed over twice the number of years left on the contract, plus one, thereby reducing the total owed.
This strategy reallocates millions to the salary cap until the 2030-31 season while removing those smaller amounts from the books is expected to save approximately $40 million in tax penalties during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons as the Suns manage their finances near the second apron, according to John Hollinger of The Athletic.
Dunn, along with re-signed wings Royce O’Neale and Josh Okogie, will fill the defensive gaps left by Little, while the Suns can utilize Bol Bol and Ighodaro at power forward, alongside a center rotation featuring Jusuf Nurkic and Mason Plumlee.
Little played in 45 games for Phoenix but faced challenges due to a knee injury towards the end of the season.
In his time on the court, he averaged 3.4 points and 1.7 rebounds across 10.2 minutes per game, with one start.
The 6-foot-6, 220-pound wing was selected as the 25th overall pick in the 2019 draft.
At 24 years old, Little was seen as a significant asset in the Deandre Ayton-Damian Lillard trade last offseason. However, it was former Portland Trail Blazer Nurkic who emerged as a starting center, and ex-Milwaukee Bucks guard Grayson Allen who had a standout season that ultimately defined that trade for the Suns.
In July, Phoenix traded wing David Roddy to the Atlanta Hawks to acquire Liddell, whose NBA career has yet to take off. Liddell was previously sent from the Hawks to the Pelicans on July 6 as part of the Dejounte Murray trade.
Liddell was scheduled to earn $2.1 million next season, with a club option for $2.3 million the following year.
This 6-foot-6, 240-pound scorer has appeared in eight NBA games for the Pelicans after a successful college career at Ohio State.
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Phoenix Suns Waive Nassir Little and E.J. Liddell, Opening Roster Spots Ahead of Training Camp
The Phoenix Suns recently made headlines by waiving Nassir Little and E.J. Liddell, a strategic move that has opened up valuable roster spots ahead of the highly anticipated training camp. This decision marks a significant moment in the Suns’ preparation for the upcoming NBA season, as they look to fine-tune their lineup and optimize their chances for success.
Overview of the Roster Changes
Waiving players is a common practice in the NBA, allowing teams the flexibility to adjust their rosters as they approach the training camp phase. By parting ways with Nassir Little and E.J. Liddell, the Suns are creating opportunities to potentially sign new players or give existing roster members more significant roles. Below are key details about the players waived:
| Player | Position | Previous Team | 2022-2023 Season Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nassir Little | Forward | Portland Trail Blazers | 8.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG |
| E.J. Liddell | Forward | New Orleans Pelicans | 3.1 PPG, 1.4 RPG |
Reasons for Waiving Little and Liddell
There are several factors that likely influenced the decision to waive these two players:
- Performance Expectations: The Suns are in a competitive window and need to maximize their roster efficiency. Both players have yet to establish themselves as consistent contributors, leading to this decision.
- Roster Flexibility: By waiving these players, the Suns can explore other options in free agency or trades, which may provide more impactful additions to the team.
- Development of Young Talent: The Suns may want to focus on developing younger or more promising players who can add depth and versatility to the roster.
The Impact on the Phoenix Suns’ Roster
With the waiving of Nassir Little and E.J. Liddell, the Suns have created opportunities for other players on the roster. Here are some implications of this move:
1. Increased Roster Spots
Opening up spots on the roster allows the Suns to consider adding new talent, either through free agency or trades. This flexibility is crucial as teams look to optimize their lineups for the season.
2. Opportunities for Young Players
With the departure of Little and Liddell, younger players like Cam Johnson and DaJuan Summers may find themselves in more significant roles, allowing them to showcase their skills and potentially secure long-term positions with the team.
3. Tactical Adjustments
The Suns coaching staff may take this opportunity to evaluate different lineups and strategies before the season begins, allowing for a more tailored approach to their game plan.
Benefits of Roster Adjustments Ahead of Training Camp
Making strategic roster changes before training camp can yield several benefits for the Phoenix Suns:
- Ensuring Optimal Fit: By evaluating current players and exploring new acquisitions, the Suns can better ensure that each player fits well into the team’s system and culture.
- Enhancing Team Chemistry: Early adjustments can foster better team dynamics and chemistry as players prepare for the upcoming season.
- Competitive Edge: Teams that proactively manage their rosters often gain a competitive edge throughout the season as they can adapt to challenges more efficiently.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from the Suns’ Management
While the decision to waive players is always difficult, gaining insights from the Suns’ management can shed light on the rationale behind these moves:
“In today’s NBA, we have to be proactive rather than reactive. The decision to waive Nassir and E.J. was not taken lightly, but we believe it’s in the best interest of the team as we look to strengthen our roster,” said James Jones, the Suns’ General Manager.
Future Prospects for the Waived Players
Both Nassir Little and E.J. Liddell will be looking to find opportunities elsewhere in the league. Here are some potential next steps for them:
Nassir Little
- Possible Suitors: Teams in need of a versatile forward who can contribute offensively and defensively may show interest.
- G-League Potential: Little could opt to develop further in the G-League to refine his skills.
E.J. Liddell
- Two-Way Contract Opportunities: He might attract attention for two-way contracts as teams look to add depth.
- International Play: Exploring opportunities overseas could also be on the table for Liddell.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead to Training Camp
The Phoenix Suns’ decision to waive Nassir Little and E.J. Liddell is a calculated move that opens up possibilities for the team as they approach training camp. With new roster spots available, the Suns are now in a position to evaluate their options carefully and make decisions that will shape the team’s future. As the season draws near, all eyes will be on how the Suns address these changes and what impact it will have on their quest for an NBA championship.
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