There are two NBA teams that many are still underestimating as the 2024-25 season approaches. Both had under-the-radar developments worth noting on Wednesday.
Since the arrival of Mike Budenholzer, the Phoenix Suns continue to make incremental but important changes. On Wednesday, the Suns quietly waived forwards Nassir Little and EJ Liddell to create roster flexibility and manage their financial obligations for the upcoming NBA season.
By waiving Little, the Suns used a stretch provision, distributing his remaining $22 million contract over the next seven years, resulting in an annual cap hit of $3.1 million. The timing of the strategic move is important because it was made before August 31st to minimize financial impact, as waiting until September 1st would have required them to pay Little’s full salary for the 2024-25 season.
The decision to waive both players suggests the Suns are preparing to either sign a top free agent or engage in trades to enhance their roster, while also managing their significant luxury tax bill.
Mike Budenholzer getting ready. $22 million is a big 💰 swallow but they’re actually stretching it out over 7 years and saving an equally big tax hit- They’ve just opened up a slot to make another move- trade or signing incoming. Phoenix is being strategic and smart. #Suns #NBA https://t.co/JMKLWbUKVR
— SpursRΞPORT (@SpursReporter) August 21, 2024
Already Suns fans and analysts are buzzing with a little more excitement after Kevin Durant and Devin Booker’s recent performances in the 2024 Olympics. Their heroic efforts, especially in the comeback win against Serbia, have many feeling like their passion for the game appear to be undergoing a re-awakening. Booker’s impressive defense and Durant’s leadership have fans hopeful that this momentum will carry into the NBA season, promising a strong start for the Suns. Bringing Mike Budenholzer and stealing Brent Barry from the Spurs are also steps in the right direction. If you’re not a believer, you’ll soon see the dividends.
Another team that is planning to make a lot of noise is the Memphis Grizzlies. Today, well ahead of training camp we caught a glimpse of Ja Morant- who is bouncing back from missing a total of 94 games over the past two seasons due to suspensions and injuries- working out with a slimmed-down version of Zack Edey.
New footage captured by @shotbynie shows Grizzlies’ Ja Morant working out with Zack Edey- signaling a focus on building chemistry between the two. Many around the league believe Memphis will be a force this coming season. #Grizzlies #Perdue #Boilermakers pic.twitter.com/TrlzePLvnL
— SpursRΞPORT (@SpursReporter) August 21, 2024
The addition of big man Edey to the Grizzlies makes Memphis more dangerous instantly, but seeing Morant and Edey working out together this early shows us that these two are serious about building on-court chemistry which is going to be crucial for effective pick-and-roll plays and overall team dynamics.
Edey wants to win and prove to all the teams that passed on him early in the draft wrong. He is actively learning from Morant’s experience and work ethic, improving his own skills and adapting to the NBA’s pace and physicality. Forget the sense of unity and teamwork that these workouts tend to set, Morant is a seasoned player who can not only mentor Edey, and help him transition more smoothly into the league, but he’s also going to make him better on the court with his passes and lobs. Edey can and will score points with Morant as a facilitator and both these guys will make a lot of NBA teams suffer.
Morant also wants to prove a few people wrong and the Grizzlies’ improved performance and success in the upcoming season is the best way to do that. That’s why he’s grinding and doing what he has to— all the while keeping his head down. Grizzlies fans and front office staff have got to be happy about that.
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