With the outbreak of the coronavirus, there is no telling if the WNBA season will still begin on May 15. However, the organization has persisted. There have been many signed contracts and trades, but some more severe or imperative than others.
Skylar Diggins-Smith
Former Dallas Wings point guard has been traded to the Phoenix Mercury for the fifth and seventh picks in the 2020 WNBA Draft. The Phoenix Mercury can be noted as a Super Team. The former Notre Dame star joins top scoring center Brittney Griner and guard Diana Taurasi. Diggins is known for not only her playmaking but her stats. Diggins averages 17.9 points, 6.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 3.3 rebounds. She is now the third player to average over 17 points and six assists in WNBA history. Due to the birth of her first child, Diggins missed last season. The Mercury haven’t won a championship since 2014 against the Chicago Sky. Diggins-Smith could be the answer to getting the team to the championships.
Dewanna Bonner
Dewanna Bonner, guard, has officially been traded to the Connecticut Suns after her 10-year career with the Phoenix Mercury. Bonner was traded for three first round picks in the 2020 WNBA Draft. The three-time All-Star was fortunate enough to be able to choose the team she desired to play for. Of course, every team would reach out to a two-time champion, such as Bonner.
“Connecticut has such a talented roster. I watched them get so close to winning a championship last season and was just really impressed with how hard they played. You could see how well they gelled on the court. I love their style of play and thought my game would be a good fit in their system,” Bonner stated.
Last season was tough for the Connecticut Suns. After the championship loss to the Washington Mystics, the Suns had to face the lack of offense on the team. Bonner’s last season was her best shooting percentage. She averaged 17.2 points, 2.7 assists, and 7.6 rebounds.
Astou Ndour
Center and Olympic medalist Astou Ndour is heading to Dallas. The Phoenix Mercury traded Ndour for the 2021 first round pick. Ndour is averaging 9 points per game and 6.5 rebounds. Ndour’s talents aren’t not exclusive to the WNBA. Ndour is also a player for the Turkish Women’s Basketball League. She is a five-time FIBA’s World Cup champion and has eight medals from overseas. The Dallas Wings need somewhat of a miracle. The team finished 6th in the Western Conference last season (10-24). Hiring two-time WNBA champion coach, Brian Angler hasn’t enhanced the team any. Ndour’s versatility and experience can assist with the team particularly with the roster lacking veterans.
We are all twiddling our thumbs for sports to come back. With the new finalized trades, the fans are waiting to see what the WNBA’s next season brings.
