Kahleah Copper was supposed to be part of the Chicago Sky’s future. Now, just five months after signing an extension and four months after participating in an introductory press conference for new head coach Teresa Weatherspoon, Copper has been traded.
Copper and Morgan Bertsch are reportedly headed to the Phoenix Mercury in exchange for forwards Michaela Onyenwere and Brianna Turner and four draft picks, including the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft.
The move is a bit of a shock, considering the Sky won a championship in 2021, made the playoffs in 2022 and 2023 and still had several pieces to compete for another ring prior to free agency.
We have acquired Michaela Onyenwere, Brianna Turner, 2024 First Rnd (3rd overall), 2026 First Rnd Pick, 2025 Second Rnd Pick, and the rights to swap 2026 Second Rnd picks from the @PhoenixMercury.
In exchange, we have traded Kahleah Copper and Morgan Bertsch.
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) February 6, 2024
KAHLEAH FREAKING COPPER.
The WNBA Champion, Finals MVP and 3x All-Star is heading to The Valley! 🌵
➡️ https://t.co/s1D4ULUvzd pic.twitter.com/GSdnSwuR00
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) February 6, 2024
Let’s do a deep dive on the trade.