The Phoenix Suns made a lot of roster changes in the offseason, focusing on improving the fringe players while adding depth around their Big Three of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. That was quite a sight for a team that had lived behind the second apron line for over a year. We know that money is seemingly no object for owner Mat Ishbia. He wants to win and empowers the people around him to make the basketball decisions to make that happen.
After the 2024 Vegas Summer League, where David Roddy averaged 14.8 points, the third-year winger probably thought he had done enough to stay with the team. He showed just enough potential to get the Atlanta Hawks to trade one of their forwards, EJ Liddell, to Phoenix for him. There were rumors that the Suns would waive Liddell, which was finally decided yesterday.
The Suns also released Nassir Little after thoroughly reviewing the transfer options for the University of North Carolina product. With $22 million left on his contract for three years, the team decided to extend and waive him, saving money in the process. They will now pay Little $3.1 million annually for the next seven seasons, which will reduce their luxury tax burden.
EJ Liddell? We barely knew you.
Similar to Little, the Suns have also extended EJ Liddell’s contract. After releasing him, they will pay him $706,000 per season for the next three years.
The Phoenix Suns have not only waived Nassir Little, but also EJ Liddell.
Little is planned for the next seven seasons, with just over $3.1 million per season.
Liddell is under contract for the next three seasons with a salary of $706,898 per season.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) 28 August 2024
The team is still deep in the second round and still has to pay a hefty luxury tax, but by terminating both contracts they have at least managed to soften the financial blow. While they are far from escaping the taxman’s grasp, these moves show a calculated attempt to reduce their long-term liabilities and free up some flexibility.
