The Atlanta Hawks have initiated another significant shake-up in their roster by acquiring David Roddy from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for E.J. Liddell. This move is part of a broader strategy that has seen the Hawks make numerous trades in recent months, aiming to construct a competitive team for the upcoming season.
Background of the Trade
This transaction marks the second time E.J. Liddell has changed teams within a month. Initially acquired from Ohio State, Liddell was part of a multi-player trade that sent Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans on July 6. As part of that deal, the Hawks also received two first-round draft picks, reflecting the significance they saw in Liddell's potential. However, Liddell's time with the Hawks has been short-lived. He only managed to participate in eight games, with limited playing time, averaging 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game during the summer league.
Liddell's Journey
Drafted as a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, Liddell's journey has been turbulent. Despite his promising performance in the summer league, his tenure with the Hawks hasn't been as fruitful. This trade to the Phoenix Suns is yet another chapter in his young career, offering him a new opportunity to prove his worth.
Roddy's Arrival in Atlanta
On the other side of the trade, the Hawks welcome David Roddy. Selected as the No. 23 overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2022 NBA draft, Roddy's draft rights were later acquired by Memphis. His rookie season saw him splitting his time between Memphis and Phoenix, showcasing his potential as a solid contributor. Roddy played 65 games during the 2023-24 season, starting 13 of them. His performance included averaging 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, scoring in double figures in 18 games and matching his career high of 10 rebounds in two separate contests. As a starter, his numbers improved to 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
Summer League Performance
Roddy also shone during the summer league, starting in five games for the Phoenix team and averaging 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. His impressive performances in these games likely contributed to the Hawks' decision to acquire him as part of their roster revamp.
Additional Acquisitions and Draft Picks
This trade is not just about Roddy and Liddell, as the Hawks also secured Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller in the earlier deal that initially brought Liddell to Atlanta. Beyond player trades, the Hawks are set to benefit from future draft assets, acquiring a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 first-round pick, further bolstering their strategy of building a formidable team over the coming years.
The Hawks' continuous roster reshuffling signifies their commitment to constructing a formidable and dynamic team, capable of competing at the highest levels. As the dust settles on this latest trade, the Atlanta faithful will be eager to see how these changes pan out on the court.
In exchanging Liddell, a player who never quite found his footing in Atlanta, for Roddy, who brings a blend of youth and proven performance, the Hawks are making a calculated bet. With the addition of seasoned players like Nance Jr. and Zeller, along with promising talents like Daniels and Roddy, Atlanta's strategy is clear: balance veteran leadership with young potential to create a sustainable path to success.
As the new NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on how the revamped Hawks' roster comes together. Their recent moves reflect a bold approach, marrying immediate competitiveness with future planning, setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead.