Hawks and Suns Make Moves: Roddy and Liddell Swap Teams
In a significant roster shake-up, the Atlanta Hawks have secured David Roddy from the Phoenix Suns, trading E.J. Liddell in return. This move is yet another step in the Hawks' ongoing effort to reshape their team dynamic.
Roddy's Journey to Atlanta
David Roddy, originally selected as the No. 23 overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2022 NBA draft, found his way to the Hawks through a series of twists and turns. His draft rights were transferred to Memphis, where Roddy split his rookie season between the Grizzlies and the Suns. During the 2023-24 season, he started 13 out of 65 games, posting averages of 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 was even more productive, averaging 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
Roddy also showcased his potential during the summer league, starting in five games for the Phoenix team and averaging 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. His consistent performance made him a valuable asset for the Hawks in their continuous roster revamp.
Liddell's Brief Stint in Atlanta
E.J. Liddell’s journey to Atlanta was equally eventful. Initially drafted in the second round by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, Liddell became part of a multi-player trade that included two first-round picks, which saw Dejounte Murray heading to New Orleans on July 6. Atlanta managed to acquire Liddell alongside Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller, in an arrangement that also set the team up with a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 first-round pick.
Liddell's time with the Hawks was short-lived. He appeared in just eight games, experiencing limited playing time. However, he made the most of his appearances in the summer league, averaging 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. Despite these contributions, Atlanta opted to trade him, marking Liddell's second team switch in less than a month.
Strategic Moves for Both Teams
The trade marks a strategic move for both teams. For the Atlanta Hawks, acquiring Roddy aligns with their goal of infusing fresh talent and dynamism into their roster. Roddy’s versatility and proven summer league performance make him a promising addition. His knack for stepping up as a starter demonstrates his potential to significantly contribute to the Hawks' plans.
The Phoenix Suns, on the other hand, welcome Liddell, a player with robust collegiate experience and a determined attitude. Although Liddell did not have extensive playing time with the Hawks, the Suns might see potential value in deploying him in a more substantial role.
This trade continues a trend of active roster management seen lately in the NBA, with teams like the Hawks keen on fine-tuning their lineups to strike the right balance of experience and youthful energy.
As the season progresses, both Atlanta and Phoenix will look closely at how these new additions fit into their respective team structures, hoping to leverage their strengths and make impactful contributions on the court.
For fans, this move adds an element of excitement and anticipation, as they watch Roddy and Liddell embark on new chapters in their careers. The impacts of these trades will undoubtedly unfold in interesting ways as the season continues.