A Busy Trade Season for the Hawks: Liddell and Roddy Swap Jerseys
ATLANTA -- In a move that adds more layers to an already eventful summer, the Atlanta Hawks have acquired David Roddy from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for E.J. Liddell. This swap of power forwards, announced Monday, continues the trend of roster reshuffling for the Hawks.
Liddell's Busy Month
Remarkably, this trade marks the second time Liddell has switched teams in less than a month. Atlanta initially acquired the 6-foot-7, 240-pound forward from Ohio State as part of a multi-player trade that saw Dejounte Murray head to New Orleans on July 6. The comprehensive package that landed Liddell in Atlanta also included two coveted first-round draft picks. Originally drafted as a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, Liddell had not yet found a stable home in the NBA.
During his brief stint with the Hawks, Liddell participated in just eight games, seeing limited playing time. However, his performances during the summer league offered glimpses of his potential, where he averaged 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. Despite these flashes, Atlanta opted to move in a different direction by acquiring Roddy.
Roddy's Career Thus Far
David Roddy, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 255 pounds, brings versatility and productivity to the Hawks. Selected as the No. 23 overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2022 NBA draft, his draft rights were later acquired by Memphis. Roddy split his rookie season between Memphis and Phoenix, starting 13 of 65 games. During the 2023-24 season, he averaged 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, displaying a knack for contributing in various ways on the court.
Roddy’s most notable performances included scoring in double figures in 18 games and matching his career high with 10 rebounds in two separate contests. His productivity was even more evident when he was in the starting lineup, where he averaged 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds. In the summer league, Roddy continued to showcase his skills, starting in five games for the Phoenix team and averaging 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
Implications for the Hawks
For the Hawks, the exchange signifies a strategic shift that could add depth and flexibility to their roster. Roddy's ability to contribute both as a starter and off the bench aligns well with Atlanta's aspirations to build a versatile lineup around Trae Young. Additionally, given Roddy's strong performance in the summer league, the Hawks likely see untapped potential that could be cultivated further.
Acquiring Roddy also complements the broader moves made by the Hawks this offseason, especially the acquisition of Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller in the same deal that landed Liddell. The Hawks are also set to receive a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 first-rounder, positioning themselves well for future drafts and potential trades.
What Lies Ahead
While the trade is yet another twist in an action-packed offseason for Atlanta, it sets the stage for the upcoming regular season, where the team's redefined roster will be put to the test. David Roddy’s adaptability will be crucial as the Hawks look to improve upon their previous season's performance. Meanwhile, Liddell will aim to make a fresh start in Phoenix, demonstrating that he can be a reliable contributor when given the chance.
As the dust settles on this latest trade, it's clear that the Hawks are not shying away from making bold moves to bolster their roster. The coming season will reveal whether these calculated risks translate to success on the court.