Atlanta Hawks Continue Roster Reshuffle with Latest Trade Moves
The Atlanta Hawks remain active in the offseason trade market, striking a deal to acquire David Roddy from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for E.J. Liddell. This move is part of a larger trend of roster adjustments for the Hawks, highlighting their strategic intentions to reshape the team dynamics ahead of the new NBA season.
A Quick Turnaround for Liddell
For E.J. Liddell, this trade signifies his second team change in less than a month. Initially, Liddell joined the Hawks from Ohio State as part of a significant multi-player trade that facilitated Dejounte Murray's transfer to New Orleans on July 6. The Hawks' acquisition package for Liddell also included two first-round draft picks, underlining the value and potential Atlanta saw in the forward.
Liddell's original drafting occurred in 2022 when he was picked in the second round by the New Orleans Pelicans. However, his tenure with the Hawks was brief, featuring only eight games with limited playing time. In those few appearances, he managed to average 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game during the summer league, indicating potential that Phoenix will now look to harness.
David Roddy's Fresh Start in Atlanta
David Roddy, who joins the Hawks, was initially selected as the 23rd overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2022 NBA draft. His rights were quickly acquired by Memphis, where he split his rookie season before moving to Phoenix. Roddy's career has seen him start 13 of 65 games during the 2023-24 season, with averages of 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.
Roddy's versatility and performance have been noteworthy. He scored in double figures in 18 games and notably matched his career high with 10 rebounds in two separate contests. His stint as a starter also proved fruitful, with Roddy averaging 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, affirming his potential impact.
During the summer league, Roddy started in five games for the Phoenix team and delivered commendable averages of 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. These stats suggest that Roddy could bring a significant boost to Atlanta’s lineup as they look to refine their roster.
Additional Assets and Future Prospects
The Hawks have been busy beyond the Roddy-Liddell swap. Recently, they secured Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller in the transaction that brought Liddell to Atlanta. These multiple acquisitions reflect Atlanta's commitment to building a depth-laden and versatile roster capable of competing at high levels.
Additionally, the Hawks are set to receive a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 first-round pick, adding valuable future assets to their portfolio. These picks provide Atlanta with flexibility and potential leverage in future trade scenarios, ensuring the team remains adaptable and prepared for further strategic adjustments.
As the offseason progresses, the true impact of these trades will become evident when the revised roster takes to the court. With new talents such as David Roddy and additional assets in tow, the Hawks are poised to make a significant impression as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of the upcoming NBA season.