In a shocking move, the Phoenix Suns have given up two young big men who could be ideal additions if the Cleveland Cavaliers act quickly.
After a brief first-round playoff appearance in the first year of the big three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal in Phoenix, the Suns spent the offseason working around the most restrictive rules of the new collective bargaining agreement. Beyond the second tier, Phoenix cannot offer more than the veteran minimum salary to new players and cannot take back additional salary or bundle players in a trade.
Still, the lure of playing alongside superstars has given the Suns the opportunity to add talented veteran players to their roster, including high-caliber point guard Tyus Jones. Royce O’Neale also returned on a multi-year deal, giving Phoenix a lethal perimeter shooter.
In what is likely a precursor to another move, the Suns have Abandoned attackers Nassir Little and EJ Lidell, who will provide limited flexibility and additional roster space. At 23 and 24, respectively, Little and Lidell have plenty of years left in them and have shown promise as talented two-way wingers.
With options limited, the Cavaliers must take a chance on Little. While the five-year veteran has yet to take flight and realize his greatest potential, he has steadily improved and finished his tenure with the Portland Trailblazers shooting 36.7 percent from three-point range before joining the Suns.
Over his career, Little has averaged 5.5 points and 1.7 rebounds while shooting 33 percent from three-point range on 2.2 attempts per game. About half of his attempts have come from beyond the arc, and he’s a proven shooter ready to fill any role.
Little is by no means a perfect player, ranking below average on both the offensive and defensive LEBRON ratings, according to BBall Index (subscription required). For the Cavs, Little represents another wing who can make his presence felt when the opportunity arises. While he is another undersized wing at 6’4”, Little will likely be available on a minimum contract after clearing waivers. It is unlikely that Little will find additional money or years on a contract this late in the offseason.
A trial run with Little is an interesting opportunity for a Cavs team that desperately needs improvement and growth this summer. After adding a new coaching staff and re-signing key players, Cleveland has failed every step of the way to improve its depth beyond drafting summer league standout Jaylon Tyson. Little is a raw prospect with promising signs as a 3-and-D role player. If the Cavaliers work out a deal for Isaac Okoro or Caris LeVert in the near future, then Little provides a little-used replacement to fill out the rotation.
As for Lidell, the 6-foot-10 forward has only played one season in the league so far, at age 24. He averaged just 2.9 minutes per game with the New Orleans Pelicans before joining the Suns for half a season. Emoni Bates signature and JT Thor on two-way contracts, the Cavs have no room for Lidell unless they move on from their hint of agreement with Luke Travers.
As the offseason draws to a close, the Cleveland Cavaliers need to take a step forward. Inactivity and silence are warranted, given their financial troubles and the ongoing drama with Okoro. But management has a task at hand, and that is to build a competent supporting cast around Donovan Mitchell and his teammates. So far, they have failed at that task. Little is not a game-changing signing, but he could give the Cavs an extra spark as a backup if needed.
Next. 2 Caris LeVert trades to turn the Cleveland Cavaliers into contenders. 2 Caris LeVert trades to turn the Cleveland Cavaliers into contenders.
