The Atlanta Hawks have once again shuffled their roster, this time acquiring David Roddy from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for E.J. Liddell. This move continues the Hawks' trend of seeking fresh talent and strategies through active trading.
Roster Changes and Context
This trade signifies the second team switch for E.J. Liddell in less than a month. Initially, Atlanta acquired Liddell from Ohio State as part of a multi-player deal on July 6, which also saw Dejounte Murray head to New Orleans. The package landing Liddell in Atlanta included two first-round draft picks, highlighting the team's willingness to invest in future talent.
Liddell, originally a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, saw limited action during his brief tenure with the Hawks. Participating in just eight games, Liddell averaged 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game during the summer league. Despite these efforts, his playing time was limited, prompting another trade.
David Roddy's Journey
David Roddy, selected as the No. 23 overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2022 NBA draft, initially had his draft rights acquired by Memphis. Roddy’s rookie season was split between Memphis and Phoenix, where he started 13 of 65 games during the 2023-24 season. He averaged 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, with notable performances including matching his career high of 10 rebounds in two separate games. As a starter, Roddy's numbers improved to 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, underscoring his potential when given ample playing time.
During the summer league, Roddy continued to demonstrate his value, starting in five games for the Phoenix team and averaging 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. His consistent double-figure scoring in 18 games during the season further cements his readiness to contribute significantly to the Hawks.
Acquiring More Talent and Future Prospects
In addition to Roddy, the Hawks also brought in Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller as part of the deal that initially landed Liddell. This influx of talent is complemented by the future assets acquired: a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 first-round pick. These picks provide the Hawks with even more opportunities to build a robust roster aimed at long-term success.
For the Suns, acquiring Liddell represents a strategic move to gain a promising young player who, despite limited playing time, showed glimpses of his potential in the 2023 summer league. The expectation is that a change of environment might provide Liddell the chance to realize his potential fully.
Looking Ahead for Atlanta
The Atlanta Hawks are clearly focused on both immediate improvements and long-term growth. The combination of acquiring a promising player like Roddy alongside seasoned professionals and future draft picks illustrates a multifaceted strategy. Atlanta fans can only watch and wait to see how these changes will impact the team's performance in the upcoming season and beyond.
Ultimately, this trade underscores the ever-evolving nature of NBA rosters. For the Hawks, the hope is that these adjustments will translate into on-court success, positioning them as contenders in the highly competitive league.