Grade the trade: Sky deal Marina Mabrey to Sun in shocking blockbuster

The Chicago Sky got their All-Star and Olympic break off to an unexpected start on July 17 when they traded Marina Mabrey to the Connecticut Sun. It was shocking given their place in the standings, and Mabrey’s importance to their roster. Chicago is clinging to the final playoff spot with a rookie playing a crucial role, and the 27-year-old guard was their top playmaker.

Midseason trades are rare in the WNBA because of the hard cap, which made this move even more shocking. Kevin Pelton points out a trade of this magnitude has not happened during the season since 2016.

Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times reported Mabrey requested a trade, and she got her wish. Here is a look at the specifics of the deal and how the Sky fared in giving up their second-leading scorer.

Sky land 2 players and a 2025 1st round pick for Marina Mabrey

Mabrey was shooting just 38.1 percent from the field but was a crucial part of their attack. Letting her depart in the middle of a playoff race was not easy.

Chicago paid a massive price to land her in the 2023 offseason, including two first-round draft picks and a first-round swap. They couldn't recoup that value, but what did Chicago get? Here are the specifics of the July 17 trade.

The Sun crushed this deal. They got a needed playmaker at the cost of two reserves, one draft pick, and one swap. Connecticut is 11th in the WNBA in assists per game and needed another ball-handler to complement Alyssa Thomas. This was a massive win for them, but what about Chicago?

The Sky get more draft capital but miss an opportunity

The Sun are second in the standings, so their 2025 first-rounder figures to be a late selection. Chicago got a swap in 2026 but appears to be rebuilding after this move. The role players are both 30 years old and not taking a leap in Chicago leaving this as a disappointing return.

Mabrey was the Sky’s only floor spacer. Her 56 3-pointers made were more than the rest of the team combined heading into the break. With her in Connecticut, there will be issues creating open looks and leaving enough space for Chennedy Carter to attack the rim.

Grade: C-

If Mabrey wanted out, the Sky were justified in trading her to a contending franchise, but they should have got more in return. One late first-round pick and two role players under multi-year contracts were just not enough.

Give Chicago a C-minus for this deal. It was not the worst move in franchise history. Unexpected things can happen, and the 2026 pick swap may become valuable. Right now, this looks like a subpar trade for a franchise deciding to keep rebuilding over chasing a playoff berth.

The Chicago Sky are off until August 15, but fans can enjoy Angel Reese teaming with Caitlin Clark in the All-Star Game this weekend. It will be a cannot miss contest and should make them forget about this trade.