NBA Rumors: Suns Release Nassir Little, Liddell to Create Contract, Trade Flexibility

The Phoenix Suns reportedly released both Nassir Little and EJ Liddell on Wednesday, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, in order to "open up a roster spot and create flexibility for signings and trades during the season."

Per that report, the Suns will waive and stretch Little and the $22 million left on his deal, allowing the Suns to pay him that money over the course of seven years rather than the three he had remaining.

So essentially, the Suns will be paying Little about $3 million per season over the next seven years.

Part of the impetus for the move, per Charania, was that "Phoenix officials are high on rookies Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro and the releases open increased opportunities for both to contribute next season—along with roster movement potential moving forward."

Little, 24, was acquired in the three-team trade that sent Deandre Ayton to Portland and additionally returned Jusuf Nurkić, Grayson Allen and Keon Johnson for the Suns. He appeared in 45 games for the Suns, averaging a career-worst 3.4 points per game while shooting just 30 percent from three.

Liddell, 23, was acquired in July from the Atlanta Hawks for David Roddy. It's been quite the offseason of movement for Liddell, who was traded to Atlanta in the Dejounte Murray deal.

He appeared in just eight games for the New Orleans Pelicans last season, averaging 0.5 points per contest.

The Suns are attempting to rebuild the roster around the star trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. Nurkić and Allen will join them in the starting lineup, while free-agent additions Tyus Jones, Monte Morris and Mason Plumlee and re-signed forwards Royce O'Neale and Josh Okogie round out an improved supporting cast.