On August 22, Beijing time, according to Shams of the Register, sources revealed that the Suns will cut forwards Nasir Little and EJ Liddell, and by giving up these two players, the Suns will free up a roster spot to create flexibility for signings and trades during the season. It is reported that the Suns cut Little with an extension clause and will pay him in installments for the remaining three years of his contract of 22 million.

Shams also said that the Suns management has a high opinion of rookies Ryan Dern and Oso Iguodalo, and the cut of Little and Liddell is also hoping to provide more opportunities for the two rookies to play in the new season, while also providing the possibility of future roster changes for the team. Little will enter the free agent market. NBA reporter Sidery said the Suns will pay Little to his contract over seven years, which is about $3.1 million per year.

Little was the No. 25 pick in the first round in 2019 and played for the Trail Blazers and Suns, averaging 3.4 points and 1.7 rebounds per game in 45 games last season. Liddell is the overall No. 41 pick in the second round in 2022, played for the Pelicans for a year, averaging 0.5 points and 0.6 rebounds per game, and has yet to play for the Suns.

After cutting the two, the Suns' lineup configuration changed from 16+3 to 14+3, and there was still one spot left in the regular lineup. Their 14+3 lineup is configured as follows –

Regular lineup: Durant, Beal, Booker, Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neal, Okogie, Ryan Dunn, Bol Bol, Tyus Jones, Damian Lee, Monte Morris, Mason Plumlee, Igdallo

Two-way contracts: Jalen Bridges, Gilespie, Tytay Washington

The Suns' roster has a total salary of $221.8 million, and the luxury tax is as high as $419.2 million, ranking first among 30 teams. Last season, the Suns finished sixth in the West with a 49-33 record and were swept out of the playoffs by the Timberwolves 4-0. In the new season, they have strengthened the point guard position, how far can they go? Let's wait and see.