The Atlanta Hawks have once again shaken up their roster with a significant trade, acquiring David Roddy from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for E.J. Liddell. This move is part of an ongoing trend for the Hawks, who continue to redefine their team dynamics.
Hawks Welcome Roddy
David Roddy, who was selected as the No. 23 overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2022 NBA draft, brings a fresh perspective to the Atlanta lineup. Initially having his draft rights acquired by Memphis, Roddy split his rookie season between Memphis and Phoenix. During the 2023-24 season, he started 13 of the 65 games he played, averaging 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. Notably, Roddy scored in double figures in 18 games and matched his career high with 10 rebounds in two separate contests. As a starter, he improved those averages to 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. His performance in the summer league was equally impressive, where he started in five games for the Phoenix team, averaging 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
Liddell's Brief Stint with Atlanta
On the other end of the trade, E.J. Liddell departs from Atlanta after a brief yet eventful tenure. The versatile forward was initially acquired by the Hawks from Ohio State as part of a multi-player trade on July 6, which notably sent Dejounte Murray to New Orleans. This deal also saw the Hawks gain two first-round draft picks. Before joining Atlanta, Liddell was drafted in the second-round by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022. During his time with the Hawks, Liddell appeared in only eight games, seeing limited playing time. In the summer league, he posted modest averages of 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.
A Broader Strategy for the Hawks
This trade is more than just a swap of two players. It sheds light on the Hawks' broader strategy of continually evolving their roster to build a formidable team. The trade that initially brought Liddell to Atlanta was a significant one, including additional players such as Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller, along with crucial future picks—a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 first-round pick.
The Hawks' decision to part ways with Liddell after such a short period signals a willingness to experiment and quickly adjust based on the teams’ developing needs. Roddy’s potential as a reliable scorer and an effective rebounder undoubtedly played a role in Atlanta’s eagerness to bring him onboard.
What This Means for Both Teams
For the Suns, acquiring Liddell could address specific rotational needs and provide a young, energetic option off the bench. Although Liddell’s performance with the Hawks was limited, his potential remains apparent, especially considering his earlier success in collegiate basketball and brief but promising stints in the NBA summer league.
Meanwhile, the Hawks are banking on Roddy’s upward trajectory. His ability to deliver in double figures consistently and his solid stats as a starter emphasize his potential to make a significant impact on Atlanta’s performance. With Roddy now part of the squad, the Hawks hope to find more stability and enhanced performance in their forward positions.
As the NBA season progresses, it will be interesting to watch how these new dynamics play out for both teams. The Hawks’ continuous roster reshuffling underscores a long-term vision of assembling a team that can compete at higher levels, while the Suns aim to fine-tune their lineup with strategic acquisitions like Liddell.
Only time will tell if this latest trade will yield the desired outcomes for both franchises. Nevertheless, the agility and strategic considerations displayed by the Hawks and the Suns in this transaction highlight the ever-evolving nature of NBA team-building.