Atlanta Hawks Continue Roster Reconfiguration with Recent Trade
The Atlanta Hawks have made another significant move in their ongoing roster overhaul, acquiring David Roddy from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for E.J. Liddell. This trade is indicative of Atlanta's persistent efforts to reshape their team dynamics and further solidify their roster ahead of the upcoming season.
A Brief Stint for Liddell
This trade marks yet another chapter in the nomadic journey of E.J. Liddell within the NBA. Liddell, who has now switched teams twice in less than a month, originally joined the Hawks from Ohio State as a part of a multi-player trade that saw Dejounte Murray head to New Orleans on July 6. The package that brought Liddell to Atlanta also included two coveted first-round draft picks.
Liddell, a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, had limited opportunities to make his mark with the Hawks. Participating in just eight games, he saw minimal playing time. During the summer league, Liddell posted averages of 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, showcasing glimpses of his potential but not enough to secure a stable position in Atlanta's longer-term plans.
Roddy's Rising Profile
On the other side of the trade, David Roddy comes to the Hawks with a more promising resume. Originally selected as the No. 23 overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2022 NBA draft, Roddy's draft rights were later acquired by Memphis. During his rookie season, he split his time between Memphis and Phoenix, playing a total of 65 games in the 2023-24 season, of which he started 13.
Roddy's statistics offer a glimpse into his capabilities and potential contribution to the Hawks. He averaged 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game throughout the season, with more significant impact observed when he was in the starting lineup. As a starter, Roddy averaged 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, demonstrating an ability to rise to the occasion. He also managed double-figure scoring in 18 games and matched his career high of 10 rebounds in two separate contests.
His performance during the summer league further underscores his potential value to the Hawks. Starting in five games for the Phoenix team, Roddy averaged 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, cementing his status as a versatile and reliable player.
Hawks' Broader Roster Moves
This trade is part of a broader strategy by the Hawks, who have been active participants in the trading market this offseason. In the deal that initially brought Liddell to Atlanta, the Hawks also acquired Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller. Alongside these players, the Hawks are set to receive a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 first-round pick, replenishing their draft assets for future endeavors.
The relentless reshuffling of the Hawks' roster signifies a clear intent to optimize and refine their squad. With the acquisition of Roddy, they add a player who not only brings immediate value but also harbors long-term potential. The forthcoming season will be pivotal in assessing how these strategic moves gel together and influence the Hawks' campaign.
Conclusion
As the Hawks continue their pursuit of competitiveness, the acquisition of David Roddy represents another calculated step in their roster reconfiguration. For Liddell, another transition offers a fresh start and an opportunity to establish himself in Phoenix. Only time will reveal the full impact of these trades, but one thing is certain—Atlanta's front office is not shying away from making bold decisions to shape the future of the franchise.