THE Phoenix Suns The Phoenix Suns are parting ways with forwards Nassir Little and EJ Liddell, reports Shams Charania of The Athletic. The moves give the Valley an open roster spot and more flexibility for trades and signings during the offseason. Phoenix is set to extend the remaining three years and $22 million on Little’s contract.
The move provides more opportunities for rookies Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro, with Suns personnel highly interested in both, Charania reports.
Liddell was acquired last month from Atlanta Hawks in exchange for David Roddy. He was due to be released, and releasing him before the end of August would save the Suns $5 million in taxes, Suns insider John Gambadoro told X when the Suns acquired Liddell.
The Suns can waive Liddell and extend him before the end of August or cut him and take the full salary cap hit without having any dead money on the books. The Suns will save $5 million in taxes.
– John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 26, 2024
Little was traded to Phoenix last summer as part of the trade that sent Deandre Ayton to the Portland Trailblazers and Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee BucksLittle was hoped to become a rotational player for the Suns, but that never happened. With his lackluster performance, his contract didn’t really make sense for the Suns.
An open roster spot could help the Suns sign a buyout player through the mid-level or lower-level exception, or any free agent. Phoenix also has Josh Okogie’s contract, a short-term, team-friendly deal they can use in a trade to upgrade the roster during the season.
