The Atlanta Hawks have yet again stirred the pot in their ongoing roster reshuffling efforts, acquiring David Roddy from the Phoenix Suns in a deal that sends E.J. Liddell packing to the desert. This transaction is a significant maneuver by the Hawks, underscoring their relentless push to fine-tune their squad ahead of the upcoming NBA season.
For E.J. Liddell, this trade marks another chapter in what has been a whirlwind journey through the NBA in recent weeks. Initially drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans as a second-round pick in 2022, Liddell found himself on the move yet again, having been sent to Atlanta earlier this month in a blockbuster trade that involved Dejounte Murray heading to New Orleans. The package that landed Liddell in Atlanta also included two valuable first-round draft picks.
Liddell's stint with the Hawks has been brief and somewhat underwhelming. Over the course of just eight games, he struggled to secure significant playing time, averaging a modest 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game during the summer league. This lack of impact clearly factored into Atlanta's decision to part ways with the young forward.
In contrast, David Roddy arrives in Atlanta with a different profile. The No. 23 overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2022 NBA Draft, Roddy's rights were subsequently acquired by Memphis before he ended up in Phoenix. During his rookie season, Roddy demonstrated his potential by splitting time between Memphis and Phoenix, where he started 13 of 65 games in the 2023-24 season. With averages of 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, Roddy showed flashes of his capability to be a reliable contributor. Notably, he scored in double figures in 18 games and matched his career high with 10 rebounds on two occasions.
Roddy's performance during the summer league further highlighted his promise. Starting in five games for Phoenix, he averaged an impressive 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. These numbers likely played a role in catching the attention of the Hawks' front office, who are evidently keen on bringing in talent that can make an immediate splash.
The trade also highlights Atlanta's long-term strategic planning, as the team is set to receive a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 first-round pick. This adds to their future arsenal of draft capital, providing additional flexibility to either cultivate homegrown talent or dangle the picks as trade bait in future transactions.
This isn't the only move the Hawks have made in recent weeks to reshuffle their roster. The deal that initially brought Liddell to Atlanta also saw the Hawks acquire Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller, further emphasizing the team's commitment to finding the right mix of players. These transactions indicate Atlanta's proactive approach in fine-tuning their roster with an eye towards both immediate success and future sustainability.
While the frequent changes might seem unsettling, they underscore a clear vision from the Hawks' management. By continually adjusting their roster and acquiring assets, Atlanta is setting the stage for sustained competitiveness in a fiercely competitive league.
As the dust settles on this latest trade, all eyes will be on David Roddy as he dons the Hawks jersey. Will he seize the opportunity and become a key player in Atlanta's rotation, or will his journey follow a different path? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—the Hawks aren't done making waves anytime soon.