Chicago Sky send Marina Mabrey to Connecticut Sun for Rachel Banham, Moriah Jefferson

The Chicago Sky sent shockwaves through the league on Wednesday afternoon when they announced that they were trading Marina Mabrey to the Connecticut Sun. In return, they receive a 2025 first-round draft pick, a 2026 first-round pick swap and veterans Moriah Jefferson and Rachel Banham. Chicago also is sending a 2025 second-round pick to Connecticut.

Marina has made a significant impact over the past two seasons with the Sky behind her scoring ability, playmaking, competitiveness and commitment to the community,” Chicago Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca said. “We appreciate all of her contributions to the organization and wish her continued success in the league.”

Due to the scoring exploits of Angel Reese and Chennedy Carter, Mabrey has grown as a playmaker. She is currently averaging 14.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. Mabrey, who is known for her 3-point shooting, has gone from shooting 39 percent from beyond the arc last season to shooting 34.8 percent from deep in 2024. She has shown steady improvement as rebounder and defender, with a total of 109 rebounds and 29 steals in 24 games this season.

Sky have one of the lowest 3-point percentages in the league at 31.4 percent. Mabrey was the player that was regularly attempting 3s. Now, it will be Banham, a nine-year veteran who has played for Connecticut and the Minnesota Lynx. She is averaging 4.8 points, 1.2 rebounds and shooting 34.5 percent from the 3. She has scored in double figures three times this season, including a season-high 24 points in a 96-69 win over the Phoenix Mercury on July 14. In that game, she hit eight 3-pointers, a WNBA record for a reserve player.


https://www.swishappeal.com/wnba/2024/7/17/24200805/wnba-trade-chicago-sky-marina-mabrey-connecticut-sun-rachel-banham-moriah-jefferson-draft-picks