Report: The Suns have exchanged David Roddy for EJ Liddell in a trade with the Hawks.
The Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks have reportedly agreed to a trade. Phoenix will send forward David Roddy to Atlanta in exchange for forward EJ Liddell.
The trade’s primary motivation revolves around financial considerations, which are elaborated below.
According to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro, David Roddy was not expected to make the Suns roster, and it’s unlikely that EJ Liddell will either. Gambadoro also tweeted that the Suns have the option to waive and stretch Liddell before the end of August or cut him outright, which would avoid any dead money on the books.
This move is clearly financially driven by the Suns’ front office, aiming to save money on a player they were likely to release anyway. Cutting Liddell will be more cost-effective. With several free agents available who might accept lower offers, Phoenix positions itself to act quickly if necessary.
Liddell’s salary is $2.1 million, compared to Roddy’s $2.8 million, and he has a $2.5 million cheaper team option.
Roddy, recently part of the Summer Suns roster in Vegas, was fighting for a spot. Atlanta now has until October 31st to decide on his option.
EJ Liddell was drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022 with the 41st overall pick out of Ohio State. He was traded from the Hawks to the Pelicans on July 6 as part of the Dejounte Murray trade. Liddell has played sparingly in the NBA, with only eight appearances. He had an impressive junior year at OSU, averaging 19.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game. Liddell also performed well in the Summer League for the Hawks, including a game where he scored 22 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and blocked 4 shots.
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