WNBA | The Sky acquired two future second-round draft picks from the Liberty for the rights to Rebecca Gardner

The Sky made their remaining roster transfer on Thursday earlier than the WNBA Draft.

First-year basic supervisor Jeff Pagliocca traded the rights to Liberty security Rebecca Gardner for second-round draft picks in 2025 and 2026.

Former Sky coach/basic supervisor James Wade signed Gardner forward of the 2022 season after scouting abroad. It was technically Gardner’s rookie season, however his 10-year profession abroad set him up for quick success on a title-contending staff. He averaged 8.4 factors, 3.3 rebounds and 1.4 rebounds off the bench for the Sky.

Pagliocca had been discussing the potential for shifting Gardner in a sign-and-trade earlier than he tore his proper Achilles whereas taking part in for Spanish membership Spar Girona in February — a restricted free agent.

After buying and selling franchise star Kahleah Copper, at his request, Pagliocca shifted focus from attempting to construct across the 2021 Finals MVP to rebuilding with a youthful core. Recapturing draft capital has been a precedence, and whereas Gardner’s harm affected his commerce worth, two future second-round picks have given Pagliocca property to work with.

As Gardner by no means signed his qualifying supply with Sky, the Liberty have solely acquired his rights, that means they will negotiate the phrases of the contract. He underwent surgical procedure to restore his Achilles however isn’t anticipated to play this season.

After shifting Gardner, the Sky’s roster is at 9 gamers with $391,887 in cap house and three roster spots to fill. Pagliocca signed ahead Taya Reimer and guards Chandy Carter and Casey Gondrezic to coaching camp contracts. A spot within the SkyDraft with No. 3 is anybody’s. The remaining two are Sky’s three coaching camp gamers and whoever they draft with the Nos. 8 and 13 picks.

Sky Draft Picks

2024

First spherical: Quantity 3 total from Mercury and quantity 8 total from Sparks by Dream.

Second spherical: No. 13 total by Wings to Favor.

2025

First spherical: Rights to change with feathers.

Second spherical: Choose from heaven by Mercury; Select from Liberty.

2026

First spherical: The staff’s personal pick-and-pick from Mercury.

Second spherical: Rights to Change Selections with Mercury; Select from Liberty.

Third spherical: Workforce’s personal choice.