Atlanta Hawks and Phoenix Suns Swap Talents in Strategic Roster Moves
In a significant roster move, the Atlanta Hawks have acquired David Roddy from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for E.J. Liddell. This trade further extends the Hawks' ongoing strategy of restructuring their lineup to build a more competitive team.
Roddy, who was initially selected as the 23rd overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2022 NBA draft before his draft rights were acquired by Memphis, brings a strong track record to Atlanta. During the 2023-24 season, he split his time between Memphis and Phoenix, starting 13 of 65 games. Roddy finished the season with averages of 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game and managed to score in double figures in 18 matches. Additionally, he matched his career high with 10 rebounds in two different contests, highlighting his potential as a reliable contributor on the court.
Roddy's impressive performance continued in the summer league, where he started five games for the Phoenix team and averaged 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. As a starter, Roddy’s stats improved to 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, indicating his capability to step up when given more responsibilities.
The acquisition of Roddy is part of a broader trend for the Hawks, who have been actively reshuffling their roster. This latest trade marks the second time E.J. Liddell has been involved in a transaction in less than a month. Initially, Atlanta acquired Liddell from Ohio State as part of a multi-player trade on July 6, which saw Dejounte Murray head to New Orleans. The deal that landed Liddell in Atlanta also included two first-round draft picks, indicating the Hawks' willingness to invest in future talent.
Liddell, originally drafted as a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, appeared in just eight games with the Hawks, seeing limited playing time. During the summer league, he managed to average 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, but the Hawks seemingly felt that a different direction was necessary for their long-term plans.
The involvement of additional players in these trades signifies Atlanta's broad approach to optimizing their lineup. In the transaction that brought in Liddell, the Hawks also acquired Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller. Moreover, they've secured additional future assets, including a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 first-round pick, positioning them strategically for future drafts.
For the Phoenix Suns, bringing in someone like Liddell could provide them with a solid rotational player who can bring energy off the bench. Liddell’s short stint with the Hawks and his performance in the summer league show he has potential—potential that the Suns seem eager to tap into as they continue to build their own roster for upcoming seasons.
Overall, this trade reflects both teams' attempts to balance immediate needs and future prospects. Atlanta's acquisition of Roddy will likely add depth and versatility to their lineup, leveraging his summer league performance as an indicator of his development trajectory. Meanwhile, Liddell's move to Phoenix opens a new chapter for the player as he aims to find a more consistent footing in the NBA.
As the NBA off-season progresses, both teams will watch closely to see how these new additions integrate into their systems. Fans and analysts alike will be particularly keen to observe Roddy’s impact in Atlanta and whether Liddell can carve out a steady role in Phoenix. These trades may just be pieces of a larger puzzle as teams make final adjustments before the season tips off.