Last week’s MLB trade deadline saw a flurry of activity. Will the upcoming WNBA trade deadline on Thursday at 3 PM have a similar vibe? It’s hard to tell.
Speaking with various coaches, general managers, and agents, it seems there’s a prevailing uncertainty about what to expect. “Isn’t that just amusing?” remarked first-year Wings coach Chris Cochrans. “When a team is right on the brink, you wonder: do they need one more piece to really make a push? We’ll just have to see how things shake out.”
There are a few factors influencing this unpredictability.
Primarily, any player not on a rookie contract can become a free agent this season or next. Teams need to weigh whether it’s worthwhile to give up future assets like draft picks or contracted players for essentially short-term rentals.
Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve noted this is one reason why some teams considered “sellers” may find it tougher to unload talent for future gains. “For teams that might normally look to sell due to their current standing and future aspirations, the window for that is a bit narrow,” she said. Most players have had their trade windows close, indicating “the value isn’t quite there like in other years.”
It’s also hard to gauge how the potential bonanza of free agency in 2026 might impact the league’s trajectory. Will star players stay with their current teams or look elsewhere? The ongoing collective bargaining agreement discussions add another layer of uncertainty to the WNBA landscape.
Changes to the draft protection rules, tied to the CBA, make teams unsure about what to expect regarding the Toronto and Portland franchises this offseason. Last year, teams could protect six players, but that might not hold true this time around.
Historically speaking, WNBA trade deadlines have often resulted in unexpected outcomes. The most notable midseason trade occurred in 2015 when the Sky traded Sylvia Fowles to the Lynx, leading to a WNBA Finals victory for Minnesota that season.
Throughout the year, teams engage in discussions, but this season the buzz seems distinctly quieter. Sure, some conversations serve merely as informal inquiries about interest, while others might be more serious.
Connecticut (5-21) is one team to watch as the deadline approaches, according to General Manager Morgan Tuck. While she’s not actively seeking trades, she’s open to discussions. “It’s about what’s out there. I’m always asking what other teams think and whether they might be interested in certain players,” she expressed.
After losing their entire starting lineup from last year’s WNBA semifinals, Connecticut is undergoing a rebuilding phase, focusing on draft picks and younger talent. Despite a rough season, Tuck remains optimistic about the future of the team.
“I’m in a position based on where we are. It’s about finding what makes sense,” she said. “If it does, great. If not, that’s fine too.”
Marina Mabry, a guard for the Sun, had previously requested a trade, but she seems to have settled in—even as discussions around potential trades continue.
Players like Dehonai Carrington of the Wings and forward Aliyah Edwards are being discussed as possible trade candidates.
In just a few days, we may see whether ongoing talks lead to actual trades. “You never know,” said coach Sandy Brondello. “This league’s parity means anything can happen any night. It’s good for the league. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes conversation about what teams need and want. But for us, we’re content with where we are and what we’ve accomplished.”
