Connecticut Sun trade former WNBA MVP Jonquel Jones to New York Liberty
The Connecticut Sun have finalized a trade to send former WNBA MVP Jonquel Jones to the New York Liberty, the team announced Monday.
Connecticut will receive guard Rebecca Allen and the No. 6 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft from the Liberty, and guard Tyasha Harris from the Dallas Wings.
New York is sending forward Natasha Howard and former UConn guard Crystal Dangerfield to the Wings. Forward Kayla Thornton will head to the Liberty from Dallas.
“Jonquel has been an integral part of the Connecticut Sun’s growth over the last seven years, and we truly appreciate everything she has given to this franchise,” Sun general manager Darius Taylor said in a release. ”Ultimately, JJ’s trade was a decision that both parties decided was best. We wish her the best in her future endeavors.”
Jones, the 2021 league MVP, spent the first six years of her career with the Sun and helped lead the franchise to the WNBA Finals twice— in 2019 and last season. Connecticut lost to the Las Vegas Aces in four games last fall.
Jones requested the trade to New York specifically, according to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou. The Liberty are looking to build a title-contending team and are in pursuit of former UConn star and free-agent Breanna Stewart, according to reports.
Connecticut hired new head coach Stephanie White this offseason after head coach and general manager Curt Miller, who had been in charge since Jones’ rookie season in 2016, left the team for the head coaching job with the Los Angeles Sparks.
Jones is a four-time All-Star and is averaging 13.6 points and 8.3 rebounds per game for her career. She averaged a double-double during her 2021 MVP season (19.4 points and 11.2 rebounds per).
In return for Jones, the Sun receive Allen, who is a seven-year WNBA veteran and has spent her entire career with the Liberty. The Australian native averaged 7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists per fame last season. She’s been a member of Australia’s national team since 2014 and competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and 2022 FIBA World Cup.
“Rebecca is a proven shooter that addresses a need we have. Rebecca’s experience, versatility and winning personality will be a welcomed addition to our team,” Taylor said in a release.
Harris, who was the seventh pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft, has averaged 5.2 points and 2.8 assists per game over three seasons for the Wings. She also helped lead South Carolina to a national title in 2017.
“We are excited to welcome Ty Harris to the Connecticut Sun organization. Ty is a rising point guard and an even better person, that will have an opportunity to thrive in Connecticut. We look forward to having her join our organization and watching her growth on and off the court,” Taylor said.
The Sun tip off the 2023 season on Friday, May 19 at the Indiana Fever.
