Hawks Continue Roster Overhaul with Latest Trade for David Roddy
In a significant move aimed at reshaping their roster, the Atlanta Hawks have secured a deal to acquire David Roddy from the Phoenix Suns, trading forward E.J. Liddell in return. This trade signifies another strategic adjustment for the Hawks as they continue to fine-tune their lineup ahead of the new NBA season.
Liddell's brief stint with the Hawks is marked by limited exposure and opportunity. Initially part of a multi-player trade from Ohio State, Liddell landed in Atlanta as a key component of a deal that sent Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans on July 6. This trade package also brought two first-round draft picks to the Hawks, further emphasizing the strategic long-term planning by the team's front office.
Despite Liddell's limited impact on the court, playing just eight games with modest scoring and rebounding averages during the summer league—7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game—the Atlanta Hawks viewed this as an opportunity to further refine their squad. Liddell's journey has been a whirlwind since being drafted as a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, marking his second team switch in less than a month.
On the other side of the trade, David Roddy brings a mix of youthful energy and potential. Initially selected as the No. 23 overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2022 NBA Draft, Roddy's rights were quickly acquired by Memphis. His rookie season saw him split time between Memphis and Phoenix, where he demonstrated solid, if unspectacular, contributions. In the 2023-24 season, Roddy played in 65 games, starting in 13, and averaged 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.
However, Roddy's impact was noticeably higher when given a starting role. As a starter, he averaged 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, providing a glimpse of his potential if given more consistent minutes. During the summer league, Roddy averaged 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, showcasing his ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game.
Roddy's potential was further highlighted by his performance in double-figure scoring in 18 games and matching his career high of 10 rebounds in two separate contests. These statistics suggest that Roddy could offer significant upside for the Hawks if integrated effectively into their system.
The Hawks' recent trades, including the acquisition of Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller along with Liddell, indicate a clear strategy of bolstering their roster with a mix of veteran presence and young talent. In addition, the Hawks are set to benefit from future draft capital with a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 first-round pick coming their way, positioning themselves strategically for both immediate and long-term success.
As the dust settles on this latest trade, the Hawks' roster ther modifications reflect a deliberate approach to building a competitive team capable of making deeper playoff runs and securing a stronger foothold in the NBA hierarchy. David Roddy's addition, coupled with the valuable draft picks, underscores the Hawks' commitment to balancing present competitiveness with future growth.
The coming months will provide a clearer picture of how the newly acquired pieces fit into the Hawks' evolving puzzle. Fans and analysts alike will keep a keen eye on how Roddy adapts to his new surroundings and whether he can elevate his game to meet the expectations set by his promising performances in previous settings. As the Hawks gear up for the battles ahead, this trade marks another chapter in their ambitious journey to NBA prominence.