WNBA trade: Sparks acquire former All-Star Jasmine Thomas from Sun

It would appear the Connecticut Sun aren't done makingmoves.

Not even 24 hours after reportedly agreeing to trade superstarJonquel Jones to the New York Liberty as part of a three-team deal,the Sun have moved another franchise staple.

Jasmine Thomas, who has spent the last eight years of her12-year career in Connecticut, is being traded to the Los AngelesSparks, per Khristina Williams of Girls Talk Sports. In return, theSun are getting a three-player package headlined by former UConnstar Olivia Nelson-Ododa.

The Sun will receive:Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Jasmine Walker, and the rights to KiannaSmith.The Sparks receive:Jasmine Thomas, and Connecticut’s 2023 first round draft pick(No.10 overall). https://t.co/kYTq2IXUi1

Thomas has long established herself as one of the best guarddefenders in WNBA history, with five All-Defensive team selectionsunder her belt to boot. She only appeared in five games lastseason, with her campaign being cut short by an ACL injury. In herlast full season (2021), Thomas averaged 10.6 points, 4.1 assistsand 1.3 steals while converting 40% of her threes (3.1attempts).

Even accounting for some slippage, Thomas should be a positivetwo-way contributor for the Sparks next season. With multipleguards set to hit the market this offseason -- Brittney Sykes,Jordin Canada and Lexie Brown are unrestricted free agents --Thomas' acquisition also serves as a bit of a buffer if any of themleave for greener pastures.

Though it's a late first-round pick, snagging the No. 10 overallpick is no small thing for the Sparks. They didn't have a firstthis year, with their selection (No. 4 overall) currently residingwith the Washington Mystics (from the Atlanta Dream) due to theChennedy Carter trade lastoffseason.

For the Sun, this deal serves as another example of prioritizingyounger (and versatile) talent. Honoring Jonquel Jones' traderequest helped open the door to use the core designation on BrionnaJones, effectively ending her free-agency tour before it began.

In this deal, I'm enamored by the potential of Nelson-Ododa. Dueto injury and a contract divorce, the Sparks'frontcourt rotation was a bit of a revolving door last season. Thatopened up playing time for Nelson-Ododa, who showcased fun flasheson both ends of the floor.