"Doesn’t Match the Sky’s Rebuilding Timeline:" Chicago Urged to Make Huge Resolution on Key Starter

[ad_1] "Doesn’t Match the Sky’s Rebuilding Timeline:" Chicago Urged to Make Huge Resolution on Key Starter initially appeared on Athlon Sports activities.

The Chicago Sky are poised to overlook the playoffs for the second straight yr, and to make issues worse, they have not seen a big enchancment of their efficiency regardless of having a extra skilled core and a brand new coach.

With that mentioned, the crew is dealing with a significant choice with the August 7 commerce deadline approaching: will they maintain their roster and attempt to flip issues round, or will they make a commerce and go into full rebuild mode?

If the Sky select the latter, they definitely have choices.

WNBA Commerce Concept Sends Sky Starter to Dream The Sky solely have a 0.1% probability of constructing the playoffs, in response to ESPN's Basketball Energy Index. That mentioned, there is a case to be made that it makes extra sense for them to accumulate younger gamers who can complement their star duo of Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso within the years to come back.

Now, in a commerce thought proposed by Lee Escobedo of Bleacher Report, the Sky have been urged to half methods with veteran ahead Rachel Banham in change for the Atlanta Dream's Maya Caldwell, Taylor Thierry and a future second‑spherical choose.

Whereas the commerce definitely provides the Dream a giant enhance — Banham is averaging career-highs in factors (9.3), rebounds (1.4), assists (2.5) and steals (0.6) — Escobedo additionally defined why it really works out for the Sky as effectively.

Chicago Sky guard Rachel Banham has now began in 18 video games this 2025 season. © Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Pictures

"For Chicago, this deal is about pivoting towards youth improvement and future flexibility," Escobedo said. "Banham, whereas nonetheless a helpful scorer, doesn’t match the Sky’s rebuilding timeline and occupies a protected contract slot for 2025.

"Transferring her now frees up wage area and opens extra minutes for youthful backcourt and wing choices like Caldwell and Thierry. Each incoming gamers have upside: Caldwell brings defensive versatility and secondary scoring potential, whereas Thierry’s athleticism and rebounding give Chicago an injection of vitality on the wing."

Buying and selling Banham Means Sky Settle for a Failed Season Certain sufficient, buying and selling a fan-favorite like Banham is not simple. She has slot in with the Chicago roster effectively and has established herself as a key presence and chief for the crew. The 32-year-old guard has began in 18 video games for the crew, together with Tuesday's contest towards the Washington Mystics.

Earlier in July, following a Sky loss, Banham even received emotional as she mirrored on her time with Chicago to date. She joined the Sky as a part of the Marina Mabrey commerce with the Connecticut Solar final season.

"Yeah, I’m simply actually fortunate to be part of this crew, truthfully," Banham mentioned. "I've wonderful teammates. My coaches have been unbelievable.

"It truthfully hasn’t been that tough as a result of they’re simply so nice for me. They only construct me up on a regular basis, and so they consider in me within the occasions after I don’t consider in myself, so it actually means quite a bit."

Furthermore, if the Sky have been to commerce Banham, it might sign that they're coming into a rebuild as an alternative of attempting to compete for a playoff spot instantly. In spite of everything, Banham has been one of many few vibrant spots for Chicago of their current shedding streak, averaging 12.9 factors and a couple of.8 assists in that eight-game span.

It stays to be seen what the Sky will do. With the deadline approaching, will probably be attention-grabbing to see which path they take, particularly in the event that they concede they will not flip issues round this marketing campaign.