In a continuing effort to reshape their roster, the Atlanta Hawks have made another strategic move by acquiring David Roddy from the Phoenix Suns. This transaction sees E.J. Liddell heading to Phoenix, marking Liddell's second team switch in less than a month.
The reshuffling trend for the Hawks has been evident, and this latest trade is a testament to their aggressive approach in building a competitive team. Liddell, who initially made his way to Atlanta from Ohio State in a multi-player trade, found himself involved in a deal that also sent Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans on July 6. The overall package saw Atlanta receiving Liddell, Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., Cody Zeller, as well as two first-round draft picks.
Liddell was originally drafted by the Pelicans in 2022 as a second-round pick. His journey to the Hawks involved limited on-court action, with appearances in just eight games where he found limited playing time. Despite his impressive collegiate career, Liddell's NBA stint with Atlanta saw him averaging 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game during the summer league.
On the other side of the trade, David Roddy brings his own set of promising credentials to Atlanta. Selected as the No. 23 overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2022 NBA draft, Roddy's rights eventually ended up with Memphis, where he split his rookie season before moving to Phoenix. Roddy's performance in the 2023-24 season was commendable; he started 13 of the 65 games he played, averaging 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. Furthermore, he demonstrated his potential by scoring in double figures 18 times and matching his career-high with 10 rebounds in two separate games.
As a starter, Roddy's statistics improved significantly, averaging 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to contribute effectively when given more minutes on the floor. His summer league performance for Phoenix also highlighted his growth, starting in five games and averaging 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
The Hawks' General Manager expressed optimism about the new acquisition, stating, "Bringing in a player like David Roddy aligns with our broader strategy to develop a youthful and dynamic team. His versatility and competitive nature are assets we believe will complement our existing roster well."
The trade also bolstered Atlanta’s future prospects by adding a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 first-round pick to their collection. This strategic move signals the Hawks’ commitment to building a team not just for immediate success but also to secure long-term competitiveness in the league.
As the Hawks continue to shape their lineup with strategic acquisitions and the exchange of key players, the coming seasons will reveal how well these moves pay off in strengthening the team’s overall performance. With the addition of Roddy and the retained young talents, Atlanta aims to create a balanced roster capable of making significant strides in the NBA.