The history of WNBA trade deals may not be as dynamic as the NBA's, but the women's league has enough to create buzz among the fans.

While some trades are often inevitable, some are set to change the fate of the teams. While champions are made on court, champs are often made by changing jerseys, and the WNBA has seen its share.

What comes next is a look into the changing rosters, which particularly caught everyone off guard.

Sylvia Fowles

Fowles changed her jersey from the Chicago Sky 34 to the Minnesota Lynx 34 in 2015. She spent the first half of the 2015 season waiting for a deal that would favour her. And that appeared on July 27^th as she joined the Lynx. Fowles made the trade happen by rejecting Sky’s contract extension in 2014. And Erika de Souza was traded to the Sky.

In Minnesota, Fowles joined the elite company of Maya Moore, Seimone Augustus, and Lindsay Whalen. She averaged 12.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game in the playoffs. And that isn’t all, because Fowles led the Lynx to a title and won the MVP in the same year.

Marina Mabrey

Sky lost another asset when they traded Mabrey to the Connecticut Sun during the 2024 deadline. They received Rachel Branham, Moriah Jefferson, and a 2025 first-round pick. In the sky, Mabrey averaged 14.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg. But those grew bigger in the Sun. Where she averaged 15.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while playing 33.0 minutes per game.

The Sun lost in the semifinals of the playoffs. But Mabrey’s contribution was significant. She scored 14.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg, and 4.6 assists per game during the 2025 campaign.

Myisha Hines-Allen

Mabrey was not the only one Minnesota got. They received Myisha Hines-Allen from the Washington Mystics before the 2024 deadline. And in return, the mystics received backup guard Olivia Époupa, forward Sika Koné, and a 2026 second-round pick. However, the Lynx were lucky with their call.

Because Allen came with veteran depth and rebounding for Minnesota. That ultimately helped to push the titles. Although the Lynx lost to the New York Liberty, she averaged 7.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in the 13 games she played.

Dijonai Carrington

After Mabrey and Allen, Minnesota had a deal with the Dallas Wings. The Lynx acquired Wings’ Guard Carrington and Wings received Lynx Guard Karlie Samuelson, forward Diamond Miller, and a 2027 second-round pick.

And when Carrington joined the Lynx, she was tuned with the perfect momentum. The Lynx fans saw her racking up 10.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals this season. While the roster felt Napheesa Collier’s absence due to injury, Carrington added the safety that the Lynx needed.

Nalyssa Smith

After Minnesota, the Dallas Wings had a deal with the Las Vegas Aces. The Aces received the 6’4 Forward Nalyssa Smith from the Wings in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick. The Wings already had their hands full with Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale.

For the Aces, it is a big risk, given that they failed to try their luck with the 2025 pick, they traded Kelsey Plum, who was the 2026 first-round pick. And lost the chance with 2027, too. Although they have A’ja Wilson on board, there is no first-round pick for them for a while.

Of the 5 trades, which one is the most shocking to you? If you have a different list, share with us in the comments!

Written by

Deblina Roy

Edited by

Joyita Das