WNBA trade: Aces deal All-Star forward Dearica Hamby to Sparks

The reigning champion Las Vegas Aces have made their first moveof the offseason.

On Saturday morning, the Aces announced the trade of All-Starforward Dearica Hamby to the Los Angeles Sparks. Along with Hamby,they'll be sending a 2024 first-round pick to the Sparks for therights to Amanda Zahui B. and a 2024 second-round pick.

Las Vegas Aces General Manager NatalieWilliams announced today that the team has acquired the rights tocenter Amanda Zahui B. and a 2024 second round pick from the@LASparks inexchange for the contract of Dearica Hamby and a 2024 first roundpick.

Hamby has been a crucial part of the Aces' recent success,winning Sixth Woman of the Year twice (2019, 2020) and making apair of All-Star teams (2021, 2022) within the past four seasons.Her ability to pley 3-through-5 — and more importantly, defend3-through-5 — enhanced the Aces' lineup versatility.

Hamby often served as a connector for the Aces offensively,making heady short-roll plays, flowing into handoffs with Vegas'bevy of talented creators or simply keeping things moving withstrong drive-and-kick sequences. Her ability to handle the ballallowed her to kick-start transition opportunities; they don't callHamby "Big Guard" for nothing.

When available — Hamby is currently pregnant, though hopes to be ready by the startof the 2023 season — her versatility could be a huge boost to theSparks.

In a worst-case scenario, Hamby can serve as a bit of frontcourtinsurance. The Sparks recently traded away OliviaNelson-Ododa as part of the package to bring in Jasmine Thomas.More critically, Nneka Ogwumike and her sister Chiney Ogwumike areboth unrestricted free agents.

For the Aces, this gives them a bit more flexibility. Beforetoday's trade, the Aces had the lowest amount of cap space in the W(roughly $138K) with two roster spots to fill. They'd essentiallyhave two minimum contracts to work with.