WNBA trade deadline 2025 just passed. Catch the biggest trades, surprises, and how they shake up the playoff race across the league.
The WNBA trade deadline 2025 has officially passed, and it did not disappoint. With several teams jockeying for playoff position and others looking to rebuild, this year’s deadline brought blockbuster deals, under-the-radar moves, and enough drama to keep fans buzzing on X (formerly Twitter) for days. From All-Star swaps to late-season rental players, the landscape of women’s basketball 2025 just changed in a big way.
So, who made moves that matter? Who stood pat? And how does this shift the playoff picture moving forward? Let’s dive into all the deadline fireworks.
Why the 2025 WNBA Trade Deadline Mattered More Than Ever
This wasn’t just another transaction window. Here’s why the 2025 deadline stood out:
- Record-high viewership: More fans are watching, and teams are responding by loading up for a title run.
- Rookie-fueled momentum: With Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cam Brink injecting energy into the league, veterans are pushing harder than ever.
- New playoff format considerations: The final eight seeds are tighter than ever, increasing trade urgency.
Add in endorsement buzz, fan engagement, and TV ratings, and the deadline became must-watch content.
Biggest Blockbuster: Sky Trade Marina Mabrey to New York Liberty
Trade Details:
- To Liberty: Marina Mabrey
- To Sky: 2026 1st-Round Pick + bench player Kiah Stokes
This one shocked fans and insiders alike. Marina Mabrey, who was averaging 15.6 PPG and 4.2 assists, joins a stacked Liberty squad already featuring Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones.
Why it matters:
- Gives New York more perimeter shooting and playmaking
- Signals that Chicago is investing more in youth development around Angel Reese
- Fans are divided — some say Liberty are now “superteam 2.0”
Sparks Go All-In: Trade for All-Star Center Natasha Howard
Trade Details:
- To Sparks: Natasha Howard
- To Wings: Zia Cooke + 2025 second-round pick
With Cam Brink blossoming defensively, the Sparks wanted help inside. They got it. Howard brings championship pedigree, physicality, and a versatile game.
Impact:
- Sparks now have a two-headed frontcourt monster
- Could push them into the top 6 playoff spots
- TV ratings spiked after news broke — LA fans are fired up
Quiet But Important: Mystics Send Shakira Austin to Connecticut
Trade Details:
- To Sun: Shakira Austin
- To Mystics: Future draft picks
Austin was having a solid but injury-interrupted season. Connecticut is betting on her upside long-term.
Analyst take: This is a move for the 2026 title race — not just 2025. But if Austin returns to full strength by playoff time, the Sun just got scary.
Updated Power Rankings After the Deadline
| Rank | Team | Notable Addition | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Las Vegas Aces | No trades | Title favorite |
| 2 | New York Liberty | Marina Mabrey | Superteam 2.0 |
| 3 | Los Angeles Sparks | Natasha Howard | Surging threat |
| 4 | Indiana Fever | No trades | Trusting Clark |
| 5 | Connecticut Sun | Shakira Austin | Deep sleeper |
| 6 | Dallas Wings | Lost Howard | Trending down |
| 7 | Chicago Sky | Gained picks, no stars | Future-focused |
Caitlin Clark: Should the Fever Have Made a Move?
Surprisingly, the Indiana Fever stayed quiet despite having playoff hopes and momentum behind rookie sensation Caitlin Clark.
Clark’s current stats (as of July 25, 2025):
- PPG: 20.8
- APG: 7.6
- 3PM/Game: 3.2
- Viewership Boost: Highest-rated player games on ESPN/ABC
Some fans think the Fever missed an opportunity to support their rookie with a strong playoff push. Others argue it’s smart to stay patient and build organically.
Fan Reactions: Social Media Breaks Down the Deadline
From Reddit threads to X polls, fans have a lot to say:
- “The Liberty are stacked. Is this even fair?”
- “Cam Brink + Natasha Howard = SCARY.”
- “I wish Clark had more help… playoff basketball is gonna be tough.”
- “Shakira to the Sun? Lowkey the steal of the deadline.”
One viral post even dubbed the trade week: “The WNBA’s version of NBA Trade Deadline Day.”
How This Impacts the Playoff Picture
- Aces vs. Liberty is still the likely Finals matchup… but now the Sparks are in the mix.
- Fever may be exciting, but lack of depth could hurt them.
- Chicago is playing long game, so don’t expect a deep run.
Every regular-season game from now on carries more weight — especially for teams between the 4–8 seeds.
Bullet Recap: What You Need to Know About the 2025 Trade Deadline
- 🔥 Marina Mabrey to Liberty was the biggest move
- 🧱 Sparks get serious with Natasha Howard trade
- 🧠 Shakira Austin could quietly shift the East
- 🧹 Fever stayed put — betting on Caitlin Clark’s growth
- 🏀 Chicago looking toward 2026 and beyond
Final Thoughts: 2025 Is the WNBA’s Most Competitive Year Yet
If there’s one takeaway from the WNBA trade deadline 2025, it’s this: the league is evolving fast. Big-market teams are loading up, young stars are rising, and fans are more engaged than ever. Between explosive rookies like Clark, Reese, Brink, and the shifting playoff race, women’s basketball 2025 has become must-watch television.
Which trade shocked you the most? Who won the deadline?
Join the conversation in the comments, share this post, and subscribe to stay locked in for the playoff stretch!
Also Read: Latest Trending News
External Source: WNBA Official Website
FAQs
1. When was the WNBA trade deadline in 2025?
It passed on July 24, 2025, at 5 PM ET.
2. Who made the biggest trade at the deadline?
The Liberty acquiring Marina Mabrey was the most talked-about move.
3. Did the Indiana Fever make any trades?
No, they decided to stand pat and continue building around Caitlin Clark.
4. Will these trades impact the playoff picture?
Absolutely. The Sparks, Sun, and Liberty all improved their chances.
5. Can rookies like Clark or Reese carry their teams without trades?
They’ve shown they can lead, but depth will matter in the playoffs.
