The WNBA is buzzing to start 2023.
The Connecticut Sun in particular are making moves under new coach Stephanie White and new general manager Darius Taylor, trading away several stalwarts from their recent WNBA Finals runs.
Just Women’s Sports is tracking key trades before the new season tips off in May.
Jan. 16 — Sun trade Jasmine Thomas to Sparks
The 12-year WNBA veteran had played for the Sun since 2015, but now Thomas is headed to the Sparks in exchange for a package of up-and-coming players.
Los Angeles receives Thomas and the No. 10 pick in the 2023 draft, while Connecticut receives Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Jasmine Walker and the contract rights to Kianna Smith.
In Thomas, the Sparks receive a dogged defender who has been selected to the WNBA All-Defensive First Team three times. The 33-year-old point guard missed most of the 2022 season with a torn ACL, but she will rejoin former Connecticut coach Curt Miller in his first season in Los Angeles.
“I have had the pleasure of coaching Jasmine for my entire professional head coaching career and know she will be an incredible addition to this team and the culture we are building in LA,” Miller said in a statement. “Her knowledge of the game and her ability to lead a team both on…
