The Connecticut Sun made a huge trade a day before the WNBA officially heads into the Olympic break.
Connecticut on Wednesday acquired guard Marina Mabrey from the Chicago Sky in exchange for guards Rachel Banham and Moriah Jefferson, as announced in a press release. The Sun also sent its 2025 first-round pick and rights to swap 2026 first-round picks to Chicago in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Marina Mabrey to the Connecticut Sun. She is a player that we feel will give us the extra edge to compete for a championship this year,” Sun general manager Darius Taylor said in a statement. “She brings a competitive spirit and scorer’s mentality along with an ability to make big plays. I believe (head coach) Stephanie (White) and her staff will be able to utilize Marina in many ways as we start the second half of our season and continue our quest for our first title.”
Mabrey provides the Sun with much-needed shooting. White’s side ranked ninth in 3-point attempts and makes heading into Wednesday’s slate. Mabrey ranked eighth in 3-point field goal percentage and sixth in 3-point field-goal attempts heading into Wednesday. The 27-year-old averaged 14.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 24 games with the Sky this season.
The Sun will have plenty of time to integrate Mabrey into the team with the WNBA off for a month due to the 2024 Summer Olympics. Team USA will take on the WNBA All-Star team this Saturday before it tries to win its 10th straight gold medal. Sun star Alyssa Thomas will represent Team USA, and forwards DeWanna Bonner and Brionna Jones will represent Team WNBA.
