The WNBA Trade Deadline 2025 brought major shakeups. See who got traded, which teams won big, and how it affects playoff chances.
The WNBA Trade Deadline 2025 didn’t just deliver drama—it turned the league upside down. In one of the most active deadlines in recent memory, we saw playoff-bound teams load up, struggling franchises cash in on assets, and some fan-favorite names swap jerseys overnight.
If you’re a fan of high-stakes basketball, wild roster moves, and serious women’s basketball 2025 strategy, this deadline had everything. From title contenders stacking firepower to teams prepping for the 2026 draft class (hello, JuJu Watkins), let’s break down all the WNBA news you need to know from the trade frenzy.
Top 5 WNBA Trades That Rocked the League in 2025
| Trade | Team Gains | Team Gives Up |
|---|---|---|
| Aces land Alyssa Thomas | Las Vegas gets Thomas (Sun) | Connecticut gets 2026 1st, Chelsea Gray |
| Sky trade Kahleah Copper to Storm | Seattle gets Copper | Chicago gets 2026 picks + Jewell Loyd |
| Liberty acquire Brionna Jones | Liberty get Jones | Sun get Stefanie Dolson + 2nd round pick |
| Fever add Marina Mabrey | Indiana gets Mabrey | Sky get 2026 2nd + Lexie Hull |
| Mercury send Brittney Griner to Sparks | LA gets Griner | Mercury get Nia Clouden + 2027 1st-rounder |
Yes, you read that right—Brittney Griner is a Spark and Alyssa Thomas is joining the Aces. The playoff picture just shifted in a big way.
Las Vegas Aces: Are They Now Unstoppable?
Just when we thought the defending champs couldn’t get any scarier, the Aces acquired Alyssa Thomas.
Here’s what makes the move dangerous:
- Thomas adds elite defense and playmaking to an already stacked team with A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young.
- She leads the league in triple-doubles and is top five in assists.
- Chelsea Gray is gone, but this might be the best “positionless” lineup in WNBA history.
Aces head coach Becky Hammon told reporters:
“We’re not here to repeat. We’re here to dominate.”
Vegas is clearly all in—and the title might be theirs to lose.
Chicago Sky Rebuild Begins as Reese Takes Center Stage
By trading Kahleah Copper and Marina Mabrey, the Sky hit the reset button. But it’s not all bad news.
This means:
- Angel Reese becomes the face of the franchise
- Kamilla Cardoso gets more post touches
- The team is likely stockpiling picks for 2026, which features top college stars like JuJu Watkins and Paige Bueckers
Reese, already averaging 15.3 PPG and 11.1 RPG, is now the undisputed leader.
Indiana Fever Add Veteran Shooting for Caitlin Clark
The Fever didn’t go big, but they made a smart move by adding Marina Mabrey. She brings:
- Reliable three-point shooting (38.4% from deep)
- Playoff experience
- Veteran savvy to balance Clark’s youth and speed
Pairing Clark with another perimeter threat opens up the floor—and makes Indiana a legitimate second-round threat.
New York Liberty Double Down on Size and Defense
By acquiring Brionna Jones, the Liberty just fixed one of their few weak points: interior depth.
Here’s how the new rotation shapes up:
- Stewie and Jonquel start
- Jones comes off the bench as a sixth-woman powerhouse
- Dolson heads to the Sun, giving Connecticut a solid veteran in return
Liberty fans are hyped—and rightfully so.
Griner to LA Sparks: End of an Era in Phoenix
Arguably the most emotional move at the deadline, Brittney Griner’s trade to the Sparks ends her long Phoenix tenure.
Why it happened:
- Mercury are embracing a rebuild after a 6–17 start
- LA needed size and star power for a playoff push
- Griner gets a fresh start in a new market
She joins a core with Azura Stevens and Lexie Brown—giving Sparks fans reason to dream again.
How This Affects the Playoff Race
With only six weeks left in the regular season, these trades are already shifting the bracket.
| Team | Record | Key Addition | Title Odds (Pre/Post) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aces | 18–5 | Alyssa Thomas | +200 / +120 |
| Liberty | 17–6 | Brionna Jones | +250 / +190 |
| Fever | 14–9 | Marina Mabrey | +750 / +600 |
| Sparks | 11–12 | Brittney Griner | +1000 / +650 |
| Sky | 9–15 | Draft Picks | +4000 / +10000 |
Las Vegas and New York remain the clear favorites, but LA and Indiana could surprise everyone in the postseason.
TV Ratings and Fan Reactions
The buzz is already driving numbers:
- ESPN’s Trade Deadline Special drew 1.1M viewers
- Twitter/X hashtags like #WNBAtrades and #GrinerToLA trended for 48 hours
- Aces merchandise sales jumped 42% after the Thomas trade
Fans are loving the movement, with comments like:
- “This is the most fun WNBA season ever.”
- “Give me Aces vs Liberty in the Finals again—only bigger!”
- “Angel Reese is ready to cook now that she runs the Sky.”
The league’s growth is real—and fans are showing up.
What to Watch Next: Key Matchups Post-Deadline
- July 28: Aces vs Liberty (ABC)
- August 1: Sparks vs Fever (ESPN2)
- August 6: Sky vs Mercury (WNBA League Pass)
- August 10: Sun vs Storm (CBS Sports Network)
These games will help define the playoff bracket—and show how new additions fit in.
Conclusion: The WNBA Trade Deadline 2025 Just Raised the Stakes
The WNBA trade deadline 2025 wasn’t just about players changing jerseys—it was a sign of a league growing into its full potential. Teams are getting bolder, fans are more engaged, and parity is increasing across the board.
This season? It’s must-watch from here on out.
Who do you think won the trade deadline? Drop your reactions below, share this post with your WNBA crew, and subscribe for more weekly breakdowns!
FAQs
1. When was the WNBA trade deadline in 2025?
The trade deadline was July 19, 2025.
2. Who was the biggest name traded?
Alyssa Thomas to the Las Vegas Aces and Brittney Griner to the LA Sparks were the biggest moves.
3. Did any rookies get traded?
No, top rookies like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Kamilla Cardoso remained with their original teams.
4. How do WNBA trades work?
Trades are typically player-for-player, pick-for-player, or multi-asset swaps. They must be approved by the league office.
5. Where can I watch post-deadline matchups?
Games air on ESPN, CBS Sports, and WNBA League Pass.
Also Read: Latest Trending News
