On Sunday night in the United States (Monday morning AEDT), Rachel Galligan reported a three team trade involving 2021 WNBA MVP, Jonquel Jones from the Connecticut Sun to the New York Liberty. The package was also set to involve the Dallas Wings.
On Monday afternoon (Tuesday morning AEDT), the trade became official with Rebecca Allen being dealt from the Liberty to the Sun.
Bec, thank you for your 7 seasons of dedication to New York. We wish you well in the future. 🗽 pic.twitter.com/LeOZxDJSv3
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) January 16, 2023
Connecticut received Allen and New York's 2023 No. 6 pick and Ty Harris from Dallas. New York received Jonquel Jones from Connecticut and current Southside Flyer Kayla Thornton from Dallas. Dallas received Natasha Howard and the rights to Crystal Dangerfield from New York.
The Connecticut Sun made the trade official with an announcement of Allen joining the franchise via Twitter on Monday night (Tuesday morning AEDT).
Welcome to Connecticut, @becallen8 ! #CTSun pic.twitter.com/DDG0JRvPh2
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) January 16, 2023
In her seven years in the WNBA, Allen has only played for the Liberty and re-signed with them every year. This excludes the 2020 "bubble" season as she opted out of playing that season. Across her career, she's averaging 5.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game.
Connecticut is getting a hard-nosed defensive threat who is improving every year. She led the league in blocks per game back in 2021 and continues to expand her game.
Connecticut needed a balanced guard who possesses an arsenal of versatility and forward skills. She is a perfect piece for the Sun's roster under new head coach Stephanie White.
The Sun have continued to be active since dealing for Allen, with a further trade announced today. Jasmine Thomas and a first round pick have been traded to the LA Sparks for Jasmine Walker, Kianna Smith and current Melbourne Boomers centre Olivia Nelson-Odona.
The two recent trades indicate a franchise looking to go through a rebuild, after trading away two longtime building blocks for young players. These trades will bode well for Allen, who should be able to earn court time and show off her skills under White.
The Sun lost in the 2022 WNBA Finals, and could be looking towards the 2023 WNBA Draft, as they acquire picks and young players. The drastic changes follow four consecutive playoff runs, but Connecticut has been unable to break through for a title.