Hawks Acquire David Roddy from the Suns in Exchange for E.J. Liddell
The Atlanta Hawks continue to tweak their roster composition, acquiring David Roddy from the Phoenix Suns in an exchange involving E.J. Liddell. This trade is the latest in a series of moves by the Hawks aimed at solidifying their lineup.
Roddy, who was initially selected as the No. 23 overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2022 NBA Draft, found his draft rights acquired by Memphis before splitting his rookie season between the Grizzlies and the Suns. During the 2023-24 season, Roddy started 13 out of 65 games and averaged 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. Showing his versatility, he scored in double figures in 18 games and matched his career high with 10 rebounds on two separate occasions. As a starter, his performance notably improved, with averages of 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
His impressive summer league stats further highlight his capabilities. For the Phoenix team, Roddy started in five games and posted averages of 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. These numbers suggested that he could turn into a valuable asset for the Hawks as they look to build a competitive roster.
On the flip side, E.J. Liddell's journey has been marked by frequent team changes. Atlanta initially acquired Liddell from Ohio State as part of a multi-player trade that sent Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans on July 6. That transaction also included two first-round draft picks. Liddell, originally a second-round pick by the Pelicans in 2022, saw limited action with the Hawks, participating in just eight games. Despite his limited playing time, he showed flashes of potential during the summer league, averaging 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.
This latest trade for Liddell marks his second team switch in less than a month, raising questions about his fit and future in the league. Nevertheless, his physical attributes and brief performance glimpses indicate untapped potential that the Suns might look to harness.
Additionally, the Hawks' broader trade with the Pelicans, which included Liddell, brought in more key assets: Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller. Alongside these players, Atlanta also secured a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 first-round pick, aiming to fortify their future draft possibilities.
The constant movement in the Hawks’ roster underscores a clear strategy: revamping the team to better compete in the highly competitive NBA environment. Only time will tell how these trades will pan out, but for now, the Hawks have added a promising young talent in David Roddy, hoping he will make significant contributions as they aim for sustained success.
While the frequency of changes may raise concerns among fans about team stability, such maneuvers are often part and parcel of building a team capable of long-term success. With the acquisition of Roddy and others, the Hawks management seems committed to exploring every avenue to ensure that their franchise remains competitive for the foreseeable future.