Ancient The New Orleans Pelicans Forward EJ Liddell has a new home after signing with the Chicago Bulls over the weekend, according to HoopsHype. Liddell will be competing for the last roster spot or for a two-way contract available to Chicago. The former Illinois standout has had a busy summer.
New Orleans traded Liddell to the Atlanta Hawksalong with Larry Nance, Jr., Dyson Daniels, Cody Zeller and two future first-round picks to acquire Dejounte Murray. His time in Atlanta was short-lived. After playing five Summer League games for Atlanta, averaging 7.8 points, four rebounds and 1.2 blocked shots, he was traded to the Suns for forward David Roddy.
Less than a month later, the Suns released the former second-round pick, leaving him to find a new home.
Liddell was originally the 41st overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft by the Pelicans. The former Ohio State forward suffered a torn ACL in a Summer League game that sidelined him for his entire rookie season. He rehabbed until his return in 2023, where he played in eight regular-season games.
He was a highly regarded high school player in Illinois. Liddell was named Mr. Basketball in Illinois his last two years of high school. He played at Ohio State for three seasons, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors and a spot on the Big Ten All-Defensive Team in his junior season. He foregone his remaining year of eligibility to enter the 2022 NBA Draft.
Liddell showed real promise during his time in the G League with the Birmingham Squadrons. He averaged 17.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 26 games. New Orleans signed Liddell to a multi-year contract this offseason.
The Pelicans have a full roster after signing Devonte Green, who last played for the Chicago Bulls. New Orleans took a step toward financial flexibility by releasing forward Matt Ryan, who was guaranteed in the season opener. The team re-signed him a few days later.
Most of the stories surrounding the Pelicans revolve around Brandon Ingram and his ongoing contract disputes. The former All-Star forward is seeking a max contract extension worth more than $200 million. Talks have stalled, and the Pelicans forward enters the season without a deal in place. Ingram will be an unrestricted free agent next summer and can sign with any team. New Orleans held voluntary workouts in California last week, and Ingram did not participate, although he was expected to.
The Pelicans could get a chance to see Liddell up close and personal to start the year. New Orleans hosts the Bulls on opening night at the Smoothie King Center.