The Atlanta Hawks have made another significant move in their ongoing roster overhaul by acquiring forward David Roddy from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for E.J. Liddell. This trade continues the trend of roster reshuffling for the Hawks, who are looking to build a competitive team for the upcoming NBA season.
David Roddy’s Journey
David Roddy, selected as the No. 23 overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2022 NBA Draft, has seen a whirlwind start to his professional career. His draft rights were later acquired by Memphis, where he split his rookie season before eventually moving to Phoenix. During the 2023-24 season, Roddy played in 65 games, starting 13 of them. He managed to average 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, showcasing his potential as a valuable contributor on the court.
Roddy's performances included scoring in double figures in 18 games and matching his career high with 10 rebounds on two occasions. As a starter, Roddy displayed even more promise, averaging 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. His stint in the summer league for the Phoenix team further highlighted his capabilities, where he averaged 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists over five games.
E.J. Liddell’s Brief Tenure
E.J. Liddell, originally drafted in the second round by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, has had a tumultuous few months. This recent trade marks the second time Liddell has switched teams in less than a month. He was initially acquired by Atlanta from Ohio State as part of a multi-player trade that saw Dejounte Murray head to New Orleans on July 6. The package that brought Liddell to Atlanta also included two first-round draft picks.
During his brief spell with the Hawks, Liddell participated in just eight games and saw limited playing time. Despite his restricted minutes, he managed to make a modest impact during the summer league, where he averaged 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.
The Trade Details
Beyond the player swap of Roddy and Liddell, the trade deal involving Liddell also included several other players. The Hawks acquired Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller in the transaction. Additionally, Atlanta bolstered their future draft assets by securing a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 first-round pick.
A Strategic Move
For the Hawks, this trade represents a strategic move aimed at enhancing their roster depth and balancing their team composition. By bringing in Roddy, Atlanta gains a promising young player who has already shown glimpses of his potential. His ability to contribute both as a starter and off the bench adds valuable flexibility to the Hawks' lineup.
Meanwhile, Liddell's departure, despite his limited game time, opens up opportunities for the team's other young talents to step up and fill the void. The additional acquisition of players like Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller further strengthens the Hawks’ roster depth, providing them with a mix of experience and youthful energy.
As Atlanta continues to gear up for the new season, the addition of Roddy and the other new faces acquired in these trades will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Their performance and integration into the team's dynamics will determine how successful these roster reshuffling efforts have been in positioning the Hawks for a competitive run.
Overall, this latest trade underscores the Hawks’ commitment to building a robust and versatile team. By strategically navigating the complexities of player trades and draft picks, Atlanta aims to create a roster capable of contending at the highest level in the NBA.