Tag: Connecticut Sun

DiJonai Carrington trade grades: Who won the Sun-Wings deal?

Who won the Sun-Wings deal?

Stop me if you’ve heard this within the last week. We’ve got another WNBA trade.

WNBA free agency has lived in an alternate universe this week. Kelsey Plum and Jewell Loyd got things started. Alyssa Thomas followed. Then, Satou Sabally entered the chat with a ginormous three-team swap.

Now, DiJonai Carrington is moving on to Dallas, effectively ending whatever was left of Connecticut’s era, which included two WNBA finals and six consecutive semi-final appearances.

She joins the Wings after four seasons in Uncasville and brings an impressive resume with 2024 Most Improved Player honors and a WNBA All-Defensive First Team nod.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DFiRTirOyrU/?igsh=MXhkc251bmxpZzdzNw==

Trade details:

The Wings get: Guard DiJonai Carrington, the No. 12 Pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, the rights to swap picks with Connecticut in the second round of the 2026 draft

The Sun get: Guard Jacy Sheldon and the No. 8 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft

May 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale (24) looks to shoot as Chicago Sky guard Dana Evans (11) defends during the first quarter at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Wings grade

Alright, new general manager Curt Miller. You’ve got my attention.

In the last week, the Wings lost three starters (Satou Sabally, Natasha Howard and Jacy Sheldon) plus part of its second unit (Sevgi Uzun and Kalani Brown).

But, through some wheeling and dealing, Miller netted Ty Harris (from Phoenix), NaLyssa Smith (from the Fever), DiJonai Carrington, and the No. 12 draft pick. Now, we’re cooking a bit. We’re simmering, even.

Here’s that starting lineup change again.

  • Old lineup:
    Jacy Sheldon
    Arike Ogunbowale
    Satou Sabally
    Natasha Howard
    Teaira McCowan
  • New lineup:
    Ty Harris
    DiJonai Carrington
    Arike Ogunbowale
    NaLyssa Smith
    Teaira McCowan

The re-tooled starting lineup is something tangible the Wings can work with during so much change. (Sorry, new head coach Chris Koclanes. You’ve got a lot happening here.) It’s hard to replace a Satou Sabally. But drying your tears with DiJonai Carrington and friends should help.

The best part of this trade is snagging Carrington from Connecticut, which probably wasn’t too hard considering the franchise’s state and former teammate Ty Harris and girlfriend NaLyssa Smith were already onboard.

Carrington is an immediate upgrade to Dallas’ backcourt. She’s a highly intuitive player with an out-of-this-world motor. Her two-way abilities are some of the best in the league and helped Connecticut become one of the league’s powerhouses last season.

DiJonai plays much bigger than she is, and that’s going to be a treat in Dallas. Get ready for lightning-quick buckets and stellar defense with plenty of steals and blocks.

In other words, IT’S SEATBELT SEASON. (Sorry, I had to.)

Also, Arike Ogunbowale has to be thrilled right now. Miller’s moves help soften the blow of a season of change. She doesn’t have to be everything all at once and can lean on her teammates to help bring Dallas back to prominence.

Keep an eye on how Dallas moves in the 2025 WNBA draft to sure up this roster. They could be an under-the-radar playoff team.

Trade Grade: B+

Oct 6, 2024; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun guard Marina Mabrey (4) reacts after her basket against the Minnesota Lynx in the second half during game four of the 2024 WNBA Semi-finals at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Connecticut Sun grade

Now, Connecticut Sun. I want you to come in and sit down. I’m going to hold your hand when I say this.

This is a rebuild. I don’t care what you tell yourself when you wake up in the morning; your actions say otherwise.

Say it with me. Rebuild.

Losing four starters (I’m including DeWanna Bonner in this) plus a head coach all in one offseason is truly something. From the outside looking in, it’s easy to assume it’s because of failed playoff runs or lost WNBA Finals. That’s the easy stuff. But it’s tough to ignore that so many people walked away from the franchise.

Is it a culture issue? Is it that they don’t feel valued? Is it that your players shouldn’t have to share the practice facility with a child having a birthday party?

You see where I’m going here. This is more than change. This is a mass exodus eyesore that you will have to fix.

How do you keep newly acquired Natasha Cloud, Rebecca Allen and Jacy Sheldon from bolting? What do you tell poor Marina Mabrey, who came to Connecticut to compete?

Whatever you do, you’re going to have to fix it fast. Reality is setting in, and you just handed your new head coach, Rachid Meziane, one heck of a mess.

Trade grade: C-

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Sun reportedy trade DiJonai Carrington to Wings, signaling end of an era in Connecticut

It’s the end of an era in Connecticut. DiJonai Carrington is going to Dallas.

DiJonai Carrington, you are a Dallas Wing.

Yep. Connecticut is in a full-on rebuild. Carrington was the last puzzle piece of a era for the Sun that included Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, and Bri Jones as starters.

Alyssa Thomas is in Phoenix. DeWanna Bonner is likely going with her. Bri Jones went to Atlanta. And now, Carrington is reportedly going to Dallas, joining former Sun teammate Ty Harris and girlfriend NaLyssa Smith, who were both moved as part of the Satou Sabally trade.

Carrington’s run with Connecticut ends after four seasons. During 2024, her first season as a starter, she churned out quite an impressive year. The two-way guard won 2024 Most Improved Player honors and made the WNBA’s All-Defensive First Team.

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Alyssa Thomas trade grades: Who won the Sun and Mercury deal?

Who won the Alyssa Thomas Sun-Mercury trade deal?

The blockbuster WNBA deals keep on coming.

I hope you’re sitting because the massive free agency deals aren’t slowing down. First, Kelsey Plum and Jewell Loyd were traded, and now five-time WNBA All-Star Alyssa Thomas is on the move. Thomas is reportedly joining the Phoenix Mercury via trade, the second landscape-shifting move in less than a week.

For context, the Sun cored Thomas earlier this month, and any efforts to move her had to be via a sign-and-trade deal. Additionally, Thomas would have to approve of the new destination.

The deal marks the end of Thomas’ 11-year career in Connecticut, which included two WNBA Finals appearances in 2022 and 2019 and six straight semifinal appearances.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DFY0o3lvdt4/?igsh=ZTBkZzQ2dmpubjh4

Trade details

The Sun get: Guard Natasha Cloud, Guard Rebecca Allen and the No.12 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft

The Mercury get: Forward Alyssa Thomas and guard Ty Harris

UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – SEPTEMBER 25: Alyssa Thomas #25, DiJonai Carrington #21 and DeWanna Bonner #24 of the Connecticut Sun react as they play the Indiana Fever during the fourth quarter of Game Two of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs first round at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 25, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Connecticut Sun won 87-81 over the Indiana Fever. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)

Connecticut Sun grade

Alyssa Thomas’ departure is the end of an era in Connecticut.

Truthfully, it was probably over when the Sun lost to the Lynx in the 2024 WNBA semifinals, and former head coach Stephanie White returned to the Indiana Fever, but this feels finite—like a gut punch even.

The Sun could never get over the hump to bring home a championship during Thomas’ time there, always coming up short, one way or another. Add in lackluster player resources and facilities, and it’s easy to understand why Thomas might decide to split.

Now, the real questions begin for Connecticut.

How do you replace AT? How do you keep DeWanna Bonner from joining her fiancée in Phoenix and returning to where she spent 10 seasons? Is DiJonai Carrington actually staying? What about free agent Brionna Jones?

You can see where I’m going with this. Connecticut is in a rebuild.

The front office stands to make some significant decisions regarding an apparent earth-shattering shift in the franchise’s foundation. It starts with level-setting expectations and then landing additional players who want to be in Uncasville, Connecticut. *GULP.* No big deal.

At least Connecticut landed Natasha Cloud and Bec Allen, plus a top draft pick, to help soften the blow of losing AT and Ty (and DB), but I’m not feeling very confident about predicting what the starting lineup might look like next season.

  • Natasha Cloud
  • DiJonai Carrington
  • Marina Mabrey?
  • Bec Allen?
  • Open

This could go so many ways and might continue to change until the Sun get something that works.

If you know a Connecticut fan, please give them a hug. They’re probably experiencing all the emotions right now.

Trade grade: B

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JUNE 07: (L-R) Brittney Griner #42, Diana Taurasi #3 and head coach Nate Tibbetts of the Phoenix Mercury stand on the court during the second half of the WNBA game at Footprint Center on June 07, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury defeated the Lynx 81-80. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Phoenix Mercury grade

The Phoenix Mercury are in a wild period of change.

Nobody knows (yet) if Diana Taurasi is retiring, and Brittney Griner is off to Atlanta. But, what is immediately clear is that Phoenix, too, is at the end of an era.

Thankfully, the Mercury has AT and Ty Harrive to dry their tears. (What a world.)

Landing both players makes the situation much more manageable. Building around AT, Ty and Kahleah Copper is a solid foundation. Then, you can address the elephant in the room:

How do you replace Brittney Griner’s production?

(There is no replacing their other legend, Diana Taurasi. You start over fresh and don’t make any comparisons to that kind of career.)

Free agent centers are exactly dropping from the sky, but Bri Jones is a name to keep an eye on. She’s a bit younger at 29 and had solid production over the last several seasons, even through injuries. The Mercury would lose BG’s 6-foot-9 height and wingspan, but Jones comes in at a nice 6-foot-3 to help out. Furthermore, Bri and AT have a known court connection and work very well together.

There’s also another elephant to address, and it’s an awkward situation.

What in the world happened with Natasha Cloud?

Obviously, the WNBA is a business, and anyone can be traded, but getting only one season out of Cloud, Copper, BG and DT feels CRIMINAL. Also, Natasha was so happy about being in Phoenix that she spent time during the season and into the WNBA offseason, hyping up the Mercury.

“From the beginning, Phoenix sought after me,” Cloud told For The Win when we spoke with her in 2024 about joining the organization. “It was intentional, and to feel that, after not feeling appreciated or valued for so many years within an organization, was relieving and nice.”

Cold world.

If you know any Mercury fans, they could use a hug, too. BG is gone. Cloud is gone. And DT might walk off into the sunset at any moment.

Trade grade: A

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Sun send Alyssa Thomas to Mercury in WNBA’s second blockbuster deal of the week

Alyssa Thomas is on the move.

It’s the end of an era for Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas.

Per ESPN‘s Alexa Philippou, the Phoenix Mercury are reportedly acquiring the 11-year veteran via the second blockbuster WNBA trade in less than a week.

Despite being cored by the organization earlier this month, there were rumblings that Thomas’s time with the organization could be over.

When recently asked about her future with the Sun, Thomas somewhat deflected, saying, “I’m focused on Unrivaled right now. They have everything you possibly need here. They don’t really have a lot of those things in Connecticut. It’s been trying to absorb as much knowledge as I can.”

Thomas has spent her entire career with the Sun and was part of the efforts that helped the franchise make two WNBA Finals appearances.

Here are the details of the trade, with the No. 12 overall pick headed to Connecticut in return for Thomas.

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How to buy Minnesota Lynx vs Connecticut Sun WNBA playoff tickets

Want to watch the Lynx take on the Sun in person? Limited tickets remain for this WNBA Playoff semifinal matchup.

With the Minnesota Lynx possibly ending Diana Taurasi’s storied basketball career, the 2024 WNBA playoff semifinals are set.

The Lynx dispatched the Sun in two games and will meet the Connecticut Sun who similarly ended the Indiana Fever’s season in a two-game sweep.

On Sunday, the Lynx and Sun will square off for what should be a very entertaining best-of-five game playoff series.

Limited tickets remain for each game.

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Minnesota Lynx vs Connecticut Sun playoff schedule

Game 1: Sun @ Lynx – Sunday, Sept. 29 at 8:30 p.m. ET – Buy tickets

Game 2: Sun @ Lynx – Tuesday, Oct. 1, time TBA – Buy tickets

Game 3: Lynx @ Sun – Friday, Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. ET – Buy tickets

Game 4: Lynx @ Sun – Sunday, Oct. 6, time TBA (if necessary) – Buy tickets

Game 5: Sun @ Lynx – Tuesday, Oct. 8, time TBA (if necessary) – Buy tickets

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Minnesota Lynx vs Connecticut Sun ticket prices

As of publication, here are the cheapest tickets available to each game in the Lynx vs. Sun playoff series:

Game 1: $72

Game 2: $76

Game 3: $86

Game 4: $72 (if necessary)

Game 5: $115 (if necessary)

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WNBA Playoff schedule

Sunday, Sept. 29:

  • Aces @ Liberty – Game 1 – 3 p.m. ET
  • Sun @ Lynx – Game 1 – 8:30 p.m. ET

Tuesday, Oct. 1:

  • Sun @ Lynx – Game 2 – time TBA
  • Aces @ Liberty – Game 2 – time TBA

Friday, Oct 4:

  • Lynx @ Sun – Game 3 – 7:30 p.m. ET
  • Liberty @ Aces – Game 3 – 9:30 p.m. ET

Sunday, Oct 6:

  • Lynx @ Sun – Game 4 – time TBA (if necessary)
  • Liberty @ Aces – Game 4 – time TBA (if necessary)

Tuesday, Oct 8:

  • Sun @ Lynx – Game 5 – time TBA (if necessary)
  • Aces @ Liberty – Game 5 – time TBA (if necessary)

The WNBA Finals do not yet have a scheduled start date, and will begin following the conclusion of both semifinal series.

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Alyssa Thomas calls on WNBA to help keep players safe from excessive fan abuse

Alyssa Thomas has asked the WNBA to step in over the abuse received from some fans.

Alyssa Thomas isn’t here for any unhinged behavior from fans.

All season long, there have been numerous instances of people claiming to be supporters of the WNBA harassing fans and even players. This behavior has permeated hoops circles and oozed out of social media into real life. The abuse has turned into racism, bigotry and things well beyond basketball.

The Connecticut Sun have been on the receiving end of the unhinged activity, and star center Alyssa Thomas called it out after a playoff game and particularly spoke about how some fans are not helping. Here’s what she told the media:

“Honestly, it’s been a lot of nonsense. I think in my eleven-year career, I’ve never experienced the racial comments from the Indiana Fever fanbase. We had [DiJonai Carrington’s] face on a serious matter that happened in this world, and it’s unacceptable, honestly…and there’s no place for it.”

“We’ve been professional throughout the whole entire thing. But I’ve never been called the things that I’ve been called on social media, and there’s no place for it…Basketball is headed in a great direction, but nah. We don’t want fans that are gonna degrade us and call us racial names…”

“We come to play basketball for our job, and it’s fun. But we don’t want to go to work every day and have social media blown up over things like that. It’s uncalled for, and something needs to be done, whether it’s them checking their fans or this league checking…There’s no more time for it.”

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DiJonai Carrington and Marina Mabrey’s enemies to friends redemption arc is the best

This is the BEST plot twist.

Given the history, it’s still hard to comprehend Marina Mabrey and DiJonai Carrington on the same team. But their redemption arc is fantastic, and I’m totally here for it.

Marina and DiJonai weren’t exactly friends before her trade to the Connecticut Sun. They have a well-documented history of jawing at one another and getting very spicy — so spicy that fans created hysterical memes about them having to get along. But on Wednesday, we saw why Marina and DiJonai have worked so well together.

For context, DiJonai was doing everything that earned her Most Improved Player honors (steals, deflections, big shots), and when the Sun needed it most, Marina showed why the Sun traded for her. As Connecticut and the Indiana Fever were in a down-to-the-wire playoff game, she launched the COLDEST dagger 3-point shot, ending the Fever’s season.

Marina’s clutch shot had DiJonai totally hyped, and the pair pulled out Carmelo Anthony’s famous 3-point celebration on the sideline.

After the game, Marina and DiJonai were still hyping each other up, and it was actually pretty fantastic. This is wholesome activity, and I love it.

Fans were all in on Marina and DiJonai as well. Here’s what they said:

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Former Notre Dame great Marina Mabrey ends Caitlin Clark’s season

Mabrey next year, rook.

Caitlin Clark has been playing basketball almost nonstop for nearly a year, and that finally has come to an end. A lot of it at the end had to do with former Notre Dame guard [autotag]Marina Mabrey[/autotag].

The Connecticut Sun acquired Mabrey from the Chicago Sky during the season, and that move has paid off so far. Mabrey scored 17 points as the Sun swept Clark’s Indiana Fever out of the first round of the WNBA playoffs with an 87-81 Game 2 victory.

Mabrey, starting in place of the injured Tyasha Harris, shot only 3 of 10 from 3-point range during the game, but she made two big ones late. One of them came as an answer to one from Clark, who led all scorers with 25 points:

A few minutes later, with the Fever’s season hanging in the balance, Mabrey hit from downtown again to squash any doubts that this game would end in the Sun’s favor:

Mabrey performed spectacularly in the two-game sweep. She led all scorers with 27 points off the bench in Game 1.

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Follow Geoffrey on X: @gfclark89

An unruly fan seemingly taunting Caitlin Clark stopped game play during Fever-Sun

You just don’t want to see moments like this during sporting events.

Wednesday night’s WNBA playoff game between the Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun featured an unexpected stoppage in time involving a seemingly unruly fan.

At the end of the game’s first quarter, play stopped so that security at Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun Arena could identify and possibly remove the fan in question from the crowd.

The fan in question seemingly got into a verbal altercation with Fever rookie guard Caitlin Clark, who looked to have alerted the referees to take action against said fan.

Whatever was said to Clark by this unruly fan seemingly caused her Fever teammate NaLyssa Smith to be taken aback in shock.

The moment also seemed to sparked words between Clark and Sun superstar forward DeWanna Bonner, who had a brief skirmish earlier in the game.

These are the types of moments you just don’t want to see at professional sporting events, and you just hope the stadium staff addressed this promptly and firmly.

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Caitlin Clark and DeWanna Bonner got into a brief shirmish after exchanging words over a possible foul

Things got a little heated between Caitlin Clark and DeWanna Bonner.

During Wednesday night’s WNBA playoff game between the Connecticut Sun and Indiana Fever, two superstars got into a brief skirmish, possibly over a missed foul.

After Fever rookie guard Caitlin Clark felt that Sun veteran forward DeWanna Bonner fouled her on a basket attempt, Clark tried to make her case to the officiating crew.

Bonner didn’t seem thrilled with that, and the two started arguing with each other and briefly tangled with each other on the court.

Being that this is a win-or-go-home situation for the Fever, you can see why the emotions were high for both teams.

You don’t often see two marquee players like this get heated during a playoff game, but that was the case for Clark and Bonner, if ever so briefly.

https://twitter.com/ClutchPoints/status/1839088343952535705

https://twitter.com/WNBARookieWatch/status/1839087308223516755

Feature image courtesy of ESPN. 

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