Hawks Continue Roster Overhaul with Latest Trade
In a move highlighting their ongoing roster reshuffling, the Atlanta Hawks have acquired David Roddy from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for E.J. Liddell. This transaction underscores Atlanta’s commitment to fine-tuning their roster as they seek to improve after a season of mixed results.
For E.J. Liddell, the constant movement might be becoming a pattern. This switch marks the second time he has been traded in less than a month. Initially, Liddell came to Atlanta from Ohio State as part of a multi-player trade that sent Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans on July 6. That deal also netted Atlanta two first-round draft picks and the trio of Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller. Despite the promising start, Liddell saw limited action, appearing in just eight games for the Hawks, and averaged 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game during the summer league.
Liddell, originally drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans as a second-round pick in 2022, has been on a whirlwind journey ever since. His initial involvement with Atlanta included playing time that didn’t quite align with the team’s long-term plans, leading to this most recent trade.
On the other side of the transaction, David Roddy joins the Hawks having already made an impression in his brief NBA tenure. Roddy, who was selected 23rd overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2022 NBA Draft, saw his draft rights quickly acquired by the Memphis Grizzlies. Splitting his rookie season between Memphis and Phoenix, Roddy brought a versatile skill set to each squad. During the 2023-24 season, he started 13 of the 65 games he played, posting 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game on average. More impressively, when given the starting nod, Roddy ramped up his production to 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, proving his capability to contribute significantly when trusted with greater responsibilities.
Throughout the season, Roddy showed flashes of brilliance, scoring in double figures in 18 games and matching his career high with 10 rebounds in two separate contests. His summer league performance for Phoenix was another highlight, as he averaged 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, starting in all five games he played. For the Hawks, bringing Roddy on board could signal a fresh infusion of talent and potential, essential for a team looking to rise in the highly competitive Eastern Conference.
Atlanta’s strategy seems clear: they are willing to shake up their roster repeatedly until they find a blend of players who fit well together and support a winning culture. By swapping Liddell for Roddy, the Hawks might have found a player who not only fills a need but also adds a different dynamic to their game. This willingness to adapt and make bold moves could serve them well in their quest for excellence.
Additionally, the Hawks added future assets in the form of draft picks in their earlier transactions. Set to receive a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 first-round pick, Atlanta is positioning itself favorably for the future. These picks will provide the team with flexibility, either to develop young talent or to package in trades that could bring in established stars.
While the direct impact of the Roddy-Liddell trade will unfold over time, it is yet another chapter in Atlanta’s proactive approach to roster management. The Hawks’ fans and basketball analysts alike will watch closely to see how Roddy integrates into his new team and how these moves translate into performance on the court. As the Hawks continue to tweak their lineup, the one constant remains their focus on building a team capable of contending at the highest levels.