Image Credit: Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Five Blockbuster Moves WNBA Missed at 2025 Trade Deadline

Image Credit: Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The WNBA trade deadline passed on August 7, and the teams made the most of the opportunity to pick the best players and boost their chances to qualify for the playoffs. There were many high-stakes deals which sent shockwaves across the league. However, there were still a few teams which decided to stay put, and avoided making deals.

Here, we will discuss five possible trade moves that could have changed the scenarios in the WNBA.

Indiana Fever

The Indiana Fever, who entered the 2025 season with hopes and confidence to fare better, were met with unexpected injuries that made their campaign difficult. Earlier, they signed DeWanna Bonner in free agency, but things didn’t go well, and Bonner ended up requesting a trade. The Fever pursued a trade but couldn’t complete, and ended up waiving her instead.

They have also been hit by multiple injuries, including that of their star player Caitlin Clark. Not only this, but Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald have also been ruled out for the remainder of the season. They needed a player to move ahead and support Clark when she returned to action after her injury layoff.

Phoenix Mercury

The Mercury acquired Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas through a four-team trade earlier during the offseason. However, a need for consistency was felt, and many observers believed that the Mercury could use the chance to grab a big name. There were rumors that Phoenix would target Myisha Hines-Allen from the Dallas Wings, which might have elevated their chances to qualify for the playoffs. However, no deal came into execution.

Dallas Wings

The Dallas Wings also didn’t end up making noteworthy moves during the WNBA trade deadline. The only significant move they made was the signing of Diamond Miller, Karlie Samuelson and a 2027 second-round pick in exchange for DiJonai Carrington. However, it seems that teams were still hesitant to make moves during the deadline.

Connecticut Sun

The Connecticut Sun made some dramatic moves during the offseason and lost all their starters from the prior playoff squad. Needless to say, they have been facing multiple challenges in the ongoing season. The Sun are the worst performing team in the ongoing season with a 5-24 record. During the deadline, they signed Aaliyah Edwards from the Washington Mystics and let go of Jacy Sheldon and a future pick. However, they should have tried to move Marina Mabrey, in order to build a more proven backcourt.

Chicago Sky

The Sky maintained silence despite several rumors making rounds on the internet. They should have signed a few weapons to help Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. Though it wouldn’t have changed the outcome of this season’s outcome, it would have surely helped them solidify the foundation for them going forward.

2025 WNBA Trade Deadline

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.