• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

WNBA Trade Deadline Hits Ahead of Looming CBA Chaos

The Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm have already made deals to acquire guard depth.

Jul 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) and guard DiJonai Carrington (21) during the game between the Dallas Wings and the New York Liberty at College Park Center.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The WNBA trade deadline is Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, and it’s particularly intriguing given the backdrop of the league’s CBA negotiations.

About 80% of the league’s players will be free agents next offseason in preparation for a huge increase in the salary cap and player salaries (assuming a work stoppage doesn’t derail the 2026 season). Theoretically, that could result in a ton of movement given the potential for chaos in the offseason. 

However, trades could also be viewed as riskier since teams who part ways with draft capital or young talent may do so for a player who bolts in free agency. 

Any moves before Thursday afternoon could also factor into the decision-making of a team’s pool of protected players for the expansion draft for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire.

There are also some additional nuances about the WNBA’s trade and cap structure that differ from other leagues like the NBA, first pointed out by Her Hoops Stats. The most notable is that teams do not have to match salaries to facilitate a trade—meaning max players can be traded for minimum salary players—as long as both teams stay under the $1.51 million salary cap.

Done Deals

There’s still more than 24 hours until the trade deadline, but there have already been a couple of high-profile deals that have bolstered some of the league’s best teams:

  • Minnesota Lynx receive: DiJonai Carrington 
    Dallas Wings receive: Diamond Miller, Karlie Samuelson, and a 2027 second-round pick
  • Seattle Storm receive: Brittney Sykes
    Washington Mystics receive: Alysha Clark and a 2026 first-round pick

Carrington, the 2024 Most Improved Player, struggled to find her place in Dallas but could be another weapon for one of the title favorites. Minnesota holds the WNBA’s best record, though MVP front-runner Napheesa Collier is out for at least two weeks due to injury.

Sykes adds a fourth All-Star to the Storm, who are sixth in the league at 16–13 and trying to break into the upper echelon of contenders.

Names Worth Watching

The Mystics may not be done dealing. While the team is in the hunt for one of the last playoff spots, Tuesday’s trade shows they are looking toward building for the future around rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen.

Forward Aaliyah Edwards has been in trade rumors throughout the season. The No. 6 pick in the 2024 draft was injured throughout training camp and fell behind Iriafen in the rotation, but she could be a compelling option for teams looking for a young piece.

The Chicago Sky and Connecticut Sun—who have the two worst records in the WNBA—are the two most likely teams to be sellers at the deadline. They both have starting guards who could help a contender in search of a player to get them over the hump. 

The Sun have Marina Mabrey, who requested a trade in February that the team denied, while the Sky have Ariel Atkins, whom they acquired for the No. 3 pick in the 2025 draft that turned into Citron.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

After Draft-Day Snub and Drama, Sanders to Start Preseason Opener

Multiple injuries mean Sanders gets the nod for the opening preseason game.

US Open Breaks Prize Money Record, Still Leads All Grand Slams

The total 2025 US Open prize money is $85 million.
Diana Taurasi

Diana Taurasi Warns Against WNBA Work Stoppage 

Taurasi saw several key negotiations in her legendary career.

Former Heat Security Guard Indicted in $2M Memorabilia Scheme

He is accused of stealing more than 400 game-worn jerseys and other memorabilia, prosecutors say.

Featured Today

Inked Under Anesthesia: Athletes Getting $50,000 Tattoos

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty
August 2, 2025

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Mar 11, 2024; Jupiter, Florida, USA; MLB umpire Jen Pawol watches from first base during the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Washington Nationals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium

MLB Calls Up First Female Umpire for Marlins-Braves Doubleheader

Jen Pawol officiated in the minor leagues and MLB spring training.
August 6, 2025

WNBA Hits Sophie Cunningham With Fine Over Ref Criticism—Again

Cunningham was fined $500 in July for criticizing referees on a TikTok.
Italian soccer players
August 6, 2025

Serie A Players Agree to Automatic 25% Pay Cuts If Relegated

The new rule applies to all contracts signed after Sept. 2.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
WNBA ball
August 6, 2025

WNBA Players Fed Up With Dildo Throwing

The copycat incidents show no sign of stopping.
August 5, 2025

NFL Bans Teams From Giving Out Smelling Salts Over Concussion-Masking Risk

George Kittle broke the news of the ban Tuesday.
August 5, 2025

The Next MLS Superstar: Son Heung-Min Joins LAFC

An official announcement is expected as early as Wednesday.
NHL shooter police vehicle
August 5, 2025

NYC Authorities Will Examine Brain of NFL Shooter for CTE

Tamura claimed he had the disease, which can be diagnosed only posthumously.