Chicago Sky complete blockbuster Marina Mabrey trade that dramatically changes WNBA roster

The Chicago Sky confirmed that they traded star Marina Mabrey to the Connecticut Sun in a blockbuster WNBA deal on Wednesday afternoon.

In return for Mabrey and a second-round draft pick, the Sky will receive Rachel Banham, Moriah Jefferson, a 2025 first-round draft pick and the rights to swap 2026 first-round picks.

Mabrey was a go-to offensive option for Chicago, taking a career-high 13.5 field goal attempts per game. Previous reports indicated that fellow Sky guard Dana Evans was the most likely trade chip to depart before the WNBA deadline , however Mabrey is instead the first domino to fall.

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Jefferson, one of the players coming back to the Sky in the proposed trade, barely featured for Connecticut in 2024. Meanwhile, Banham recently set a WNBA record with eight 3-pointers off the bench in a single game, however she's played more than 20 minutes just once since May 23.

The draft assets headed to the Windy City are more noteworthy for a young squad looking to rebuild under head coach Teresa Weatherspoon.

Chicago is not in full control of its own 2025 WNBA Draft pick - and the reason is tied to Mabrey. When the Sky acquired Mabrey from the Dallas Wings before the 2023 season, they gave the Wings the right to swap 2025 draft positions.

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Following the Mabrey trade, though, Chicago will also have Connecticut's first-rounder in addition to the lesser of its own first-round slot and the Wings' first-round position. Plus, the 2026 first-round draft pick from Connecticut could provide another youthful reinforcement.

Even though she has struggled at times with shooting efficiency, Mabrey seemed a crucial component of the locker room, striking up a memorable friendship with rookie Angel Reese . Mabrey gave emotional praise to Reese at a press conference last month.

"Number one, her confidence coming in, she was really passionate and does all the little things first, so when the scoring and the rebounding and the assisting come, it's natural," Mabrey told reporters of Reese. "She's always in there, she's in the right positions, she keeps going, she doesn't stop fighting."

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Later, she told Reese she was proud of her and added to reporters: "As someone who people thought wasn't gonna translate [from college to WNBA], I understand. You just have to dig it out of yourself and find it even when other people don't believe. If they don't believe, you have to believe in yourself first."

Chicago is on the postseason bubble, while Connecticut is firmly entrenched as a WNBA title contender. If a deal is completed with the Sun, Mabrey may be asked to come off the bench.

She's shown a capability to fill that role at a high level, finishing third in Sixth Player of the Year voting in 2021 with the Wings.

“Marina has made a significant impact over the past two seasons with the Sky behind her scoring ability, playmaking, competitiveness and commitment to the community,” Chicago Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a statement after completing the trade. “We appreciate all of her contributions to the organization and wish her continued success in the league.”