Hawks Acquire Roddy in Exchange for Liddell as Roster Reshuffle Continues
The Atlanta Hawks have made another significant move in their ongoing roster overhaul, acquiring David Roddy from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for E.J. Liddell. This trade is part of a broader strategy aimed at retooling the team's lineup and making the most of their assets.
Roddy, who was the No. 23 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers before having his draft rights traded to Memphis, brings a versatile skill set to the Hawks. He split his rookie season between Memphis and Phoenix, showcasing his potential. During the 2023-24 season, Roddy started 13 of the 65 games he played, averaging 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. He had a particular knack for stepping up when given a starting role, averaging 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game as a starter.
His performance in the summer league was equally promising, where he started in five games for the Phoenix team, averaging 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. This consistent performance underscores why the Hawks were interested in bringing him on board. Roddy's ability to score in double figures in 18 games and match his career high with 10 rebounds in two separate contests during the last season indicates his potential to make a significant impact.
The trade marks the second time in less than a month that E.J. Liddell has switched teams, highlighting the rapid shifts within the NBA's trade landscape. Liddell, originally drafted as a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, found his way to Atlanta as part of a multi-player trade that sent Dejounte Murray to New Orleans on July 6. The package that brought Liddell to Atlanta was notable, including not only the player himself but also two first-round draft picks.
However, Liddell's time with the Hawks was brief and somewhat unremarkable, as he participated in just eight games with limited playing time. During his stint in the summer league, he averaged 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, showing glimpses of his potential but not enough to secure a long-term spot with the team.
This move continues the Hawks' strategy of reshuffling their roster to build a more competitive team. In addition to acquiring Roddy, the Hawks also landed Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller in the deal that initially brought Liddell to Atlanta. Moreover, the Hawks are set to receive a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 first-round pick, further bolstering their prospects for the future.
Roddy's arrival in Atlanta brings a new dynamic to the team, providing versatility and the potential to contribute both as a starter and off the bench. His rookie season stats and summer league performance indicate a player with significant upside, capable of filling various roles and adding depth to the Hawks' rotation.
As the Hawks continue to navigate the complexities of team-building, it becomes clear that trades like these are crucial in shaping the future of the franchise. The departure of Liddell, a player with promise but limited immediate impact, and the acquisition of Roddy, a versatile and proven performer, suggest a calculated approach to assembling a competitive roster.
For Hawks fans, the ongoing roster changes signal a commitment to improvement and a strategic vision for the upcoming seasons. With new additions like Roddy and future picks in the draft, Atlanta is poised to develop a team that can aim higher and strive for greater success in the NBA.