The Connecticut Sun are gearing up for the endgame.
The team reportedly acquired veteran guard Marlena Mabry and a 2025 second-round pick in a trade with the Chicago Sky on Wednesday in exchange for Moriah Jefferson, Rachel Banham, a 2025 first-round pick and the right to swap a 2026 first-round pick.
Mabrey is averaging 14 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists on 38.1 percent shooting this season, adding some much-needed offensive muscle to the Suns’ lineup.
The Suns are 18-6 as of the All-Star/Olympic break, the second-best record in the WNBA.
Connecticut is trying to get over the hump after not winning a championship the past seven seasons and failing to advance to at least the second round each year.
“We are excited to welcome Marina Mabry to the Connecticut Sun and believe she is a player who will give us an added edge in our championship race this year,” Sun general manager Darius Taylor said in a press release. “In addition to her ability to make big plays, she also possesses a competitive spirit and a scorer’s mentality.”
“I believe in Stephanie. [White] Her staff will be able to utilize Marina in a variety of ways as the second half of the season begins and they continue to strive for their first title.”
The trade also marks a rebuilding move for the Sky, who are 10-14 since selecting Angel Reese with the seventh overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Banham, the fourth overall pick in the 2016 draft, is averaging 4.9 points in 13 minutes per game this season.
Jefferson, meanwhile, has played in just nine games this season due to a knee injury, averaging 2.1 points in 6.8 minutes per game.
“Marina has made a tremendous impact with the Sky over the past two seasons with her scoring ability, playmaking, competitive spirit and contributions to the community,” Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a statement. “We thank her for all of her contributions to our organization and wish her continued success in the league.”
The deal marks one of the rare in-season transfers in the WNBA.
The Athletic reported. In the past five seasons, only once has a player who played for a new team that year been traded during the season.
