The New Orleans Pelicans have officially parted ways with another fan-favorite player, as forward E.J. Liddell seeks a fresh start. Liddell, a former second-round pick by the Pelicans, has signed with the Chicago Bulls, according to HoopsHype, marking the end of his time in New Orleans.
Liddell will now compete for a final roster spot or a two-way deal with the Bulls, as he looks to revive his NBA career. The 22-year-old had a challenging journey, dealing with injuries and roster moves that kept him from establishing a consistent role in the league.
Originally drafted 41st overall by the Pelicans in 2022, Liddell’s rookie season was derailed by a torn ACL suffered during a Summer League game. After a lengthy recovery, he made his return in 2023 but played just eight regular-season games. Despite showing promise in the G League with the Birmingham Squadron—where he averaged 17.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 26 games—Liddell couldn’t secure a long-term spot with New Orleans.
In an effort to reshape their roster, the Pelicans traded Liddell, along with Larry Nance Jr., Dyson Daniels, and Cody Zeller, to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a package to acquire Dejounte Murray. However, his stint in Atlanta was brief, playing in just five Summer League games before being traded to the Phoenix Suns, who later released him.
Liddell’s journey now takes him to Chicago, where he hopes to make a mark and secure a future in the NBA. As a highly-touted prospect from Ohio State and Illinois’ Mr. Basketball, he showed potential at every level, earning All-Big Ten honors during his college career.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, are dealing with their own roster challenges, including financial flexibility and ongoing contract disputes with star forward Brandon Ingram. Ingram, who is seeking a max contract extension worth over $200 million, heads into the season without a new deal in place, creating uncertainty for the team’s future.
New Orleans will have an early opportunity to see Liddell in action, as they host the Bulls on opening night at the Smoothie King Center. While Liddell may no longer be with the Pelicans, his journey continues, and fans will be watching closely to see how he performs in his new chapter with Chicago.
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