In an exciting player-for-player trade deal that shook up the NBA on Friday, the Phoenix Suns have officially sent David Roddy to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for E.J. Liddell. This blockbuster trade, first reported by the reputable Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, marks the second time Liddell has been part of a major trade this offseason, after previously being dealt to Atlanta in the trade that sent Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans. Both Roddy and Liddell were drafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, adding to the intrigue of their exchange.
David Roddy, a promising young talent who was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies, had a mixed bag of performances during his time with the team. Despite receiving playing time in 70 games as a rookie in the 2022-23 season, Roddy struggled to find his footing, averaging 6.7 points and 2.8 rebounds in 18.0 minutes per game. However, prior to his trade to Phoenix, Roddy showed improvement in his game, averaging 8.4 points and 4.2 rebounds in 23.2 minutes per game over 48 games. His lackluster three-point shooting at just 30.4% with the Grizzlies was a cause for concern.
Upon joining the Phoenix Suns, Roddy found himself relegated to the bench in most games, playing a mere 63 minutes across 17 games. His shooting woes continued as he only made one three-pointer out of eight attempts. Roddy’s playing time dwindled even further during the Suns’ playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he saw a total of three minutes on the court.
E.J. Liddell, on the other hand, has faced his own challenges in the NBA since being drafted by the Pelicans in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft. His rookie season was marred by a devastating ACL injury suffered during the 2022 NBA Summer League, which kept him sidelined for the entirety of the 2022-23 season. Liddell’s limited playing time with the Pelicans included just eight games played for a total of 23 minutes, where he managed to contribute four points, five rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
The majority of Liddell’s playing experience in the 2023-24 season came in the G League, where he showcased his potential by averaging 17.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in 26 regular-season games. Despite his lack of NBA action, Liddell’s performance in the G League has shown glimpses of his talent and potential to make an impact at the highest level.
The trade between the Suns and Hawks not only presents a fresh opportunity for both young players to prove themselves in new environments but also adds an element of intrigue to their careers as they look to make their mark in the NBA. The impact of this trade will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and analysts alike as Roddy and Liddell aim to make a significant impact with their new teams.
