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The Chicago Sky sent shockwaves through the league on Wednesday afternoon when they announced that they were trading Marina Mabrey to the Connecticut Sun. In return, they receive a 2025 first-round draft pick, a 2026 first-round pick swap and veterans Moriah Jefferson and Rachel Banham. Chicago also is sending a 2025 second-round pick to Connecticut.
“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. “We appreciate all of her contributions to the organization and wish her continued success in the league.”
The move comes a day after Mabrey scored 15 points, dished out four assists and grabbed three steals in a 93-85 upset over the Las Vegas Aces.
Due to the scoring exploits of Angel Reese and Chennedy Carter, Mabrey has grown as a playmaker. She is currently averaging 14.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. Mabrey, who is known for her 3-point shooting, has gone from shooting 39 percent from beyond the arc last season to shooting 34.8 percent from deep in 2024. She has shown steady improvement as rebounder and defender, with a total of 109 rebounds and 29 steals in 24 games this season.
The Sky have one of the lowest 3-point percentages in the league at 31.4 percent. Mabrey was the player that was regularly attempting 3s. Now, it will be Banham, a nine-year veteran who has played for Connecticut and the Minnesota Lynx. She is averaging 4.8 points, 1.2 rebounds and shooting 34.5 percent from the 3. She has scored in double figures three times this season, including a season-high 24 points in a 96-69 win over the Phoenix Mercury on July 14. In that game, she hit eight 3-pointers, a WNBA record for a reserve player.
Jefferson has been in the league since 2016. She had played for the Las Vegas Aces, Lynx, Dallas Wings and Mercury. Last year, she averaged 10.5 points and 3.6 assists per game for the Mercury. She is currently out with an ankle injury. Before that, she was averaging 2.1 points, 0.7 assists, shooting 37.5 percent from the field and shooting 33.3 percent from the 3-point line.
The Sky also look to maximize their chances in next year’s draft with this move.
“We are very excited to welcome Rachel and Moriah to the Sky and we know that both will bring a ton of value to this roster this season,” Pagliocca said. “Adding another essential first round draft pick in 2025 will strengthen our draft capital next year.”