The Atlanta Hawks continue to reshape their roster, making headlines with their latest trade acquisition. The team has traded E.J. Liddell to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for David Roddy, marking another chapter in an offseason of significant changes.
A Busy Offseason for the Hawks
This roster movement is part of a broader pattern for the Hawks, demonstrating their intent to build a competitive team. This marks the second time E.J. Liddell has been on the move within a short span, having initially been traded to Atlanta from Ohio State. The deal that brought Liddell to the Hawks also involved multiple players and draft picks, notably sending Dejounte Murray to New Orleans on July 6.
Liddell’s tenure with the Hawks was brief but noteworthy. Drafted as a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, Liddell saw limited action in just eight games with Atlanta. Despite the limited playing time, he showed potential during the summer league, averaging 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. Unfortunately for Liddell, these performances were not enough to secure his place in Atlanta.
David Roddy’s Profile and Impact
On the flip side, the acquisition of David Roddy brings a new dynamic to the Hawks. Roddy, who was the No. 23 overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2022 NBA Draft, eventually found his way to Memphis before landing in Phoenix. His rookie season was split between Memphis and Phoenix, where he started 13 of 65 games during the 2023-24 season.
Roddy's contributions were solid for a rookie. He averaged 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game over the season, with a commendable showing in 18 games where he scored in double figures. His performances as a starter were particularly impressive, with averages of 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. His summer league stats further underscore his potential, where he posted 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while starting in five games for Phoenix.
Strategic Acquisitions and Future Prospects
Additionally, the deal that initially brought Liddell to Atlanta also saw the Hawks acquire Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller. Beyond players, the Hawks secured valuable draft assets, including a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 first-round pick, offering future flexibility and potential for further team enhancement.
The cumulative effect of these moves is shaping a new era for the Atlanta Hawks. Each trade and acquisition reflects a strategic vision aimed at elevating the team’s competitiveness and long-term sustainability. David Roddy’s arrival is particularly intriguing given his blend of scoring and rebounding skills, which could inject new energy and versatility into the Hawks’ rotation.
As the offseason progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these moves translate on the court. The Hawks' management is clearly not shying away from bold decisions, emphasizing a proactive approach to building a formidable squad capable of making a deep playoff run.