WNBA trade: Connecticut Sun star Jonquel Jones heads to New York Liberty

We have an MVP on the move, folks!

There's been a ton of smoke surrounding the New York Libertylanding a superstar this offseason. To the surprise of many,Breanna Stewart isn'tthe player heading to thenortheast.

That honor goes to Jonquel Jones.

First reported by RachelGalligan of Winsidr, the Sun are trading the 2021 MVP to theLiberty as part of a three-team deal. Howard Megdal of The Nextcame through shortly after with the outline for the deal.

Liberty receive: Jonquel Jones (CON), Kayla Thornton (DAL)

Wings receive: Natasha Howard (NYL), rights to CrystalDangerfield (NYL)

Sun receive: No. 6 overall pick, Rebecca Allen (NYL), Ty Harris(DAL)

And before you could quizzically ask, "Wait, that's it?" aboutthe Jones return for Connecticut, we got the she-asked-for-thisnugget from ESPN's Alexa Philippou:

BREAKING: Jonquel Jones is being traded tothe New York Liberty, sources confirm to ESPN. The 2021 WNBA MVPwith the Connecticut Sun requested the trade specifically toNY.@RachGallhad it first

So, wow. Superstar trades are fun. Superstar trades before freeagency begins are even more fun, and help set up a good deal of(potential) fireworks.

On the Sun's side, Jones' departure actually helps them retaintheir top free agent. Brionna Jones, two-time All-Star and reigningSixth Woman of the Year, was set to hit unrestricted free agencythis offseason. With Jones heading to the Liberty, the Sun plan touse the core designation on Bri Jones, giving them exclusivenegotiation rights — and locking in a one-year max offer for Jones,unless her and the Sun agree to a long-term deal.

Beyond that, I like the pieces the Sun added, even if the returnstill falls short of Jones' status in the league.

Harris should give the Sun another steady hand at point guard,something they lacked with Jasmine Thomas missing most of lastseason due to injury. That placed a heavier creation burden onAll-World forward Alyssa Thomas, who practically served as the defacto point guard. With Harris providing depth, the Sun should havean easier time building cohesion in the half-court.

For a team that didn't take many threes — the Sun ranked 11th inthree-point rate (26.1% of shot attempts) but third in percentage(35.4%) — Rebecca Allen could be a godsend. She's drained 37.2% ofhis threes over the past three seasons, an impressive markconsidering a dip in efficiency last season (31.3% on 3.3 attemptsper game). She cares very little about shot contests, and has aknack for finding space off the ball. It's easy to envision herpresence taking pressure off of others, particularly in thehalf-court.

(Are you sensing a theme here?)

The Wings being included as the third team was interesting.There have been rumblings about their own star talent(Allisha Gray) potentially being moved over the offseason. For theWings to land an actual All-Star in Natasha Howard was a pleasantsurprise.

Howard's a versatile talent, able to pop or roll as the ballscreener, put the ball on the deck against larger opponents, andbully her way to the basket against smaller ones. Her activity onthe defensive end, notably her quick hands, allows her to play in —or quarterback the back end of — more aggressive coverages. Thatcould become important depending on who her frontcourt partner willbe this season.