The Chicago Sky are sending star Kahleah Copper to the Phoenix Mercury, according to multiple reports. The exact terms of the deal are still being finalized, per the Chicago Sun-Times’ Annie Costabile. The Sky will reportedly receive players and draft compensation.
The surprise deal essentially sets the Sky into rebuild mode after the franchise won a title in 2021. Copper was the last-remaining member of the title-winning team under then-head coach James Wade.
For the Mercury, the trade puts the team among the WNBA’s elite. Copper will join newly-signed guard Natasha Cloud. The Mercury also acquired 3-and-D wing Rebecca Allen in a deal with the Connecticut Sun. Veteran Diana Taurasi is expected to play out the final year of her deal in Phoenix and star center Brittney Griner is currently an unrestricted free agent, but expressed interest in staying with the franchise.
First-year head coach Nate Tibbetts will run the show with the Mercury’s rebuilt roster that now includes Copper, who averaged a career-high 18.7 points last season.
This is a developing story. Check back for more details.