Report: Former Hawks Forward Gets Released By The Phoenix Suns

Atlanta traded E.J. Liddell to Phoenix for David Roddy earlier this summer

Jan 26, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Keyontae Johnson (18) dribbles against New Orleans Pelicans forward E.J. Liddell (32) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The Phoenix Suns made a couple of transactions yesterday and one of them involved a former Hawks forward. Atlanta acquired E.J. Liddell from the New Orleans Pelicans in the Dejounte Murray trade earlier in the offseason and after he played for them during this year's Summer League, they traded Liddell to the Phoenix Suns for David Roddy. According to Shams Charania at The Athletic, Liddell is being released by Phoenix, as is Nasir Little. Phoenix wanted to create an open roster spot and did so by releasing both players.

The Phoenix Suns are waiving forwards Nassir Little and EJ Liddell, per sources. By releasing both, the Suns open up a roster spot and create flexibility for signings and trades during the season. Suns will stretch the three years and $22 million remaining on Little’s deal. pic.twitter.com/UTsuimA2yX

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 21, 2024

It was a curious move when the Hawks traded Liddell. He is a prospect that has shown some promise and Roddy is a more expensive (slightly) and arguably worse player to have. He is not going to play huge minutes barring injury, but you could make the case that the Hawks should not have made this trade.

Roddy appeared in 65 games (13 starts) during the 2023-24 season with Memphis (48 games) and Phoenix (17 games), averaging 6.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 18.1 minutes (.403 FG%, .691 FT%). He scored 10-or-more points in 18 games last season and pulled down a career-high tying 10 rebounds twice. In his 13 starts, Roddy tallied 11.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 29.9 minutes (.410 FG%, .667 FT%). In his second start of the season on Nov. 29 against Utah, the 6-5 forward netted a season-best 19 points, connecting on a career-high five triples, in a 105-91 win over the Jazz.

He most recently saw action in five games (all starts) with Phoenix at the NBA 2K25 Summer League, registering 14.8 points, 6.4 boards and 2.4 assists in 25.5 minutes (.458 FG%, .367 3FG%, .818 FT%).

Selected by Philadelphia with the 23rd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Roddy’s draft rights were acquired by Memphis, along with Danny Green from the 76ers, in exchange for De’Anthony Melton. Roddy has seen action in 135 career games (17 starts), suiting up for Memphis and Phoenix, owning averages of 6.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 18.0 minutes (.416 FG%, .301 3FG%, .662 FT%). He has appeared in eight career postseason contests, notching 2.9 points and 2.1 rebounds in 9.9 minutes of play. Roddy has also seen action in four career NBA G League games with the Memphis Hustle, tallying 20.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 33.0 minutes.

Roddy enjoyed a three-year collegiate career at Colorado State from 2019-22. Over his three seasons, he appeared in 91 games (76 starts), averaging 15.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 29.9 minutes (.522 FG%, .319 3FG%, .739 FT%). In his final season at Colorado State, the Minneapolis, Minnesota, native was named the 2021-22 Mountain West Conference Player of the Year.