The Phoenix Suns have freed up a roster spot and given themselves some salary cap flexibility by releasing two young prospects, Nassir Little and EJ Liddell. Given the heavy financial investment the Suns have made in the dynamic but aging trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, it’s not too surprising to see them part ways with two young players. Especially since they weren’t projected to play a major role in the regular season rotation. The Suns are as strong as any team in the NBA, so they’re always on the lookout for experienced players, preferably ones with playoff experience. This move opens up the possibility of them signing a player with that description in the near future.

Phoenix Suns waive Nassir Little and EJ Liddell

Little’s career so far

Little and Liddell’s careers have not quite gone according to plan since they were drafted in 2019 and 2022, respectively. Originally selected 25th in the first round by the Portland Trail Blazers, Little was a promising prospect out of North Carolina with elite athleticism, good size, and a growing perimeter game. Little showed signs of the traits that made him a first-round pick in his first few years in the league, but he continues to struggle to show true consistency.

Although injuries have played a role in Little’s career, he has also had long periods of good health. Beyond that, the necessary development just hasn’t happened yet. As a member of the Trail Blazers, Little struggled to back up Damian Lillard. Although Portland was desperate for 3-D wingers and Little was given plenty of opportunity to show he could make a difference. After a trade to the Phoenix Suns at the beginning of last season, Little again failed to impress. He fell out of the rotation completely in the second half of the season.

Liddell’s career so far

Liddell, on the other hand, has had far fewer opportunities and far more bad luck when it comes to injuries. The Ohio State product was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans with the 41st pick of the 2022 NBA Draft. However, Liddell suffered a torn ACL during his first Summer League game. The injury quickly ended his rookie year. The following year, Liddell struggled to get into the rotation of a competitive Pelicans team that was loaded at his position with players like Zion Williamson, Larry Nance Jr. and Trey Murphy III. That offseason, Liddell was traded to the Atlanta Hawks for Dejounte Murray, along with a number of other players and picks. After arriving in Atlanta, Liddell was sent again to Phoenix in exchange for former first-round pick David Roddy.

The last word

The Phoenix Suns trading Liddell and Little certainly makes sense for them as a baseball club. But make no mistake — some young team out there regrouping will target one of them, if not both. Little and Liddell, at 24 and 23, respectively, are both still young enough for a team to bank on their combination of youth and modern stretch-four skills. Stability can be difficult to find in the NBA, especially when health isn’t on your side. However, if these two formerly coveted players can improve both their health and their consistency, there could still be an NBA role for them.