August 6, 2025 • 59 mins
Natalie Esquire from NBC Sports joins Khristina to break down the latest WNBA headlines, including the Minnesota Lynx trading for Dijonai Carrington. They also discuss potential trades leading up to the WNBA’s August 7 deadline and discuss reports about the potential sale and relocation of the Connecticut Sun to Boston.
Want more women’s basketball scoop? Follow the show on Instagram @ICYMIwithKW and X @ICYMIwithKW and for more on Khristina, follow her on Instagram @khristinawilliams
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Executive Producers:
Nikki Ettore
Jessie Katz
Tyler Klang
Jonathan Strickland
Producer:
Buffy Gorrilla
Producer & Editor:
Tari Harrison
Host:
Khristina Williams
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
In Case You Missed It with Christina Williams is an
iHeart Women's Sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports
and Entertainment. Welcome to another episode of In Case you
missed It with Christina Williams. Here on Iheartwomen's Sports Network.
Your girl is back in New York City. And as
(00:23):
you can see, I look like a burn carrot right
now from all of that tanning I was doing in
Puerto Rico. But nonetheless, I'm excited to be back and
this week we have some major headlines across the w
and joining us this week to help break down all
of that and more is front of the show. My homegirl,
Natalie Esquire. May know her from NBC Sports and all
(00:46):
of the other wonderful things that she does around the WNPA. No,
welcome to the show.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Christina is so happy to be back here.
Speaker 1 (00:54):
Thank you so much. Routing me. I'm not gonna lie.
I'm a little sad because I'm not waking up to
beach in ocean use it anymore. Just New York City
sirens and buildings in skyscrapers.
Speaker 3 (01:06):
I get though, I mean I'm not in the same
place as you went. You were in Puerto Rico, Right. Yeah, yeah,
that's how Jamaica always makes me feel though whenever I leave,
I'm always sad when I go back.
Speaker 1 (01:17):
Yeah. So, Nat, you know, we love to start this
show with sharing our win of the week. So what
was a win for you this week? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (01:24):
Man, I was so back and forth between this. There
is high for me, but I'm gonna go with the
La Sparks over the Seattle Storm just because that probably
I think they have a case for Game of the
Year right with just to being the first double overtime.
(01:45):
The Sparks, like their wind streak had just been snapped
by the Aces and so they got back on the
winning track.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
But they've in general just been hot.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
So that was like a really big win for them
to go in and get in c versus a team
that you know is considered by some to be a contenditor,
but they're one of the upper teams and the Sparks
are trying to prove themselves to be a playoff team
and they're trying to get there, and like this this
winning that they've been on lately is getting them closer.
(02:17):
They're right on the outside looking in of number eight,
and so I thought that was a huge win. But
I just have to give an honorable full mention to
the Connecticut Sun also beating the New York Liberty. Yes,
I know that they were shorthanded, but they still had
Sabrinian and Esco on the court, they still had John
Quell Jones on the court, and.
Speaker 1 (02:35):
They are the reigning champs.
Speaker 3 (02:37):
So for a team like Connecticut to get their fifth win,
team that hasn't been winning much, I thought that was
a really good win too.
Speaker 1 (02:44):
Wow. I think you put another spin on winto the
week is I never considered like a win of the
week that had nothing to do with the guests personally,
But I like that you gave some teams who don't
usually get their love the shout out. And to your point,
you know, the LA Sparks have been so much better
since e Lectricians Trammel has been has joined the coaching staff.
I think that this is a team that really turn
(03:06):
is turning the heel in the second half of the season.
A healthy Sparks Cam and brink Us back Rakia Jackson
is hitting her her rhythm. Finally they're finally figuring out
what works for them. But I do think that that
addition of Litercia Trammel, Julie Van lu those were key
additions to the Sparks on the coaching staff and on
the roster that has helped them have that success. And yeah,
(03:28):
the Connecticut's son went over the Liberty was a huge shocker.
We heard about the team meeting that happened shortly after
after that loss. But you know, sometimes you need to
get punched in your mouth in order to just have
that wake up call, and I think that that was
what was needed for the New York Liberty. My win
of the week was just trying something new before we
(03:51):
start a record. I said that I had never been
to an everyday people and shout out to the good
sister Ross golden Wood a. She like, hit me up
when I got back to New York's and you want
to go to EDP And I'm like, I have never
been to one, and I grew up and I'm from
New York. But it was good. Like I'm usually I'm
a Harlem girl, so you know, going to Brooklyn, it's
(04:13):
just usually not my thing. But I enjoyed my Sunday
in Brooklyn and it was like good vibes all around,
just being at a party where people are actually dancing
and not like on the phone. Black boy Joy was
there like in dancing let them Loose. I was like, yes,
this is all the vibes like this. It just summed
(04:36):
up what I hope summer twenty twenty five would be.
So shout out to everyday people. That was a win
for me to just go go there. Everyday people parties
are great. I've vent to them, so I'm glad that you. Yeah,
I can't believe I have never gone. And it took
Roz to be like smoothie, but yeah, I know. We
had such a good time. Justine Sky at the point
(04:57):
that we went to so that was really dope. She
showcased some new some new music. But yeah, like I said,
it was good vibes. Everybody is happy letting lose his
At the end of it, Ros and I were like,
were you I didn't know I was dancing. Yeah, I
got my little two steps. But at the end of it,
I was gonna say. Ros and I we were both like,
we need to take torking classes because that's not there.
(05:20):
So we are looking for torking classes in New York
City before the summer is out. There's any I want
to teach us we are open to booking a class
with you. But yeah, let's get into this week's headlines.
Making the top of the list right now, MVP candidate,
front runner and a piece of Collier will be out
(05:41):
for two weeks due to a right ankle injury. And
you know, we've been talking about the impact of a
condensed season and how they have been kind of one
of the leading back just to some of these injuries,
especially to some of the star players. Now you have
an pies of Collier out, who is the front runner
for MVP the season, Kitton Clark is out, Branda Stewart
(06:02):
is still out. These are like top tier first team
all WNBA type players and you know, being out for
extended periods of time. So when we look at where
the Links are, and we'll talk about the trade a
little bit later, but specifically for an piece of Collier
and her being out for the next two weeks or so,
how do you think that that absence will impact this
(06:24):
Links team, who is currently number one in the standings.
Speaker 3 (06:27):
Yeah, you know, before the report even came down with that,
you know it's going to be at least two weeks.
And I think we have to be clear that she's
not necessarily coming back in two weeks, you know, that's
like an estimate.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
But also with John Quel Jones.
Speaker 3 (06:40):
When she was out, they said four to six weeks,
and she did come back basically after four weeks. So
sometimes you never really know with these But even before
knowing about that, I looked at their schedule and I
thought that, you know, the Links have a really favorable schedule,
so it would probably be okay.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
As long as it wasn't as severe injury.
Speaker 3 (07:01):
And if they're estimating two weeks, that's not light because
you know, some players come back after a couple of
days after an ancle injury, but it's not so severe
that like you know, like John Quaul was out like
several several weeks, right, So I think they made out well.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
It sounds like from you know, their further testing.
Speaker 3 (07:21):
When I say their schedule is favorable, it's not based
on the opponent, because their next four games are the Storm,
the Links, and then twice versus the Liberty. But it's
favorable in that over a two week span, So from
the time of the injury, right, which was on Saturday,
(07:42):
their next three games brings them to Sunday, August tenth,
so that would really be a two week period and
they only play three games in that span, three games, so.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
It's favorable in that it's only three games.
Speaker 3 (08:00):
You know, the Storm Mystics honestly, and you know and
Liberty are obviously all formidable teams, you know, so, but
they've shown that they can win without a FISA Collier.
It might be harder, it might look differently, but they
have the ability to win games. You know, they might
(08:20):
lose some without her, they might lose all of them
without her, but they also have a five and a
half game lead on the next best team and the standings,
which is the Liberty, So they also have the cushion
to absorb losses. So if she really only remains out
for about two weeks, I think they're gonna be fine.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
And also if they win a couple.
Speaker 3 (08:42):
Then it even gives them the ability maybe to not
even rush her to be back or put pressure for her, like,
you know, to be like I need to get back
because we're losing.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
Yeah, And to your point, I mean, we're nearing the
end of the season in a couple of weeks anyway,
so it's like you want her to get rest, to
get prepared for the postse and as you said, they
do have the cushion to absorb some losses given the space,
the separation between the Links and everyone else in the league.
(09:10):
But it's just unfortunate to see this many injuries, especially
to some of the biggest names in Stars and the
w this season. I don't think that we've seen anything
like this in recent years. We talked about this last
(09:34):
week on the show, is that maybe the players would
want to put this as a priority in the next CBA.
In terms of the condensed schedule, we know that there's
a lot of logistics that happens when it comes to
scheduling arena availability with the other leagues around summer concerts,
et cetera, et cetera. But I think that is definitely
(09:55):
something that w should look to just changing or finding
some sort of middle ground, because it's very unfortunate when
any player gets hurt.
Speaker 3 (10:07):
For sure, it feels like it's trending that way though,
Like obviously we know the revenue share is the big
number one goal for them, but a lot has been
made of the condensed schedule, and there were the comments
from Kathy talking about the willingness to extend the season
into November so I feel like it's trending that way.
Doesn't even really seem like there's a lot of pushback
(10:29):
to that. I think it's just figuring out the schedule.
But I also, you know, I think, you know, some
injury like this injury just feels like an unfortunate one,
like Cheryl Reeve had a sub about to come in and.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
You know, Fee got injured.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
You know, I think it's important not to conflate like
this is a contact sport and injuries happen with like
the ones that are like more a results of wear
and tear, you know, and you can't always determine like
which injuries or which, but this one doesn't feel like
a weir and tear type thing.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
Is more just like this really unfortunate thing that happened.
Speaker 1 (11:06):
But like.
Speaker 3 (11:09):
Caitlin probably coming back from her growing injury when she did,
because the team is not winning and the rate at
which the games are scheduled, that does feel a little
bit more like, you know, if there was more space
in between games, she'd have more time to rest and recover. So,
you know, it's just it's a weird thing because with
(11:31):
sports there contact sport, but they're definitely is science behind
the idea of like the compressed the compression and the
rate at which you're playing games and leading to injury,
and like the data just shows like there are more injuries.
So there's a connection. So I don't think that can
be ignored. But the one other thing I will say
last year in the FISA, Collier did get injured shortly
(11:52):
before the Olympic break, and so when she came back
after the Olympic break, she did play in the Olympics,
but when she came back after Olympic break, that is
when we've seen this version of Fee that we're seeing now.
Like she was always an MVP candidate, but she went
to another level post Olympics. And I don't know if
it was like the rest of recovery. I don't know,
something just that like I need to go. I don't
(12:14):
know what it was, but that is a definitely point
in time that we can pinpoint that her level increased
and she's been NonStop since. So I'm just like reminding
people that if that's what she did after a break
last year, what will happen potentially this year after a
two week break.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
Yeah, no, certainly, And we'll keep us on any updates
regarding the thesis return to the Links. Sticking with the Links,
the biggest news is the trade that went down between
the Dallas Wings and the Minnesota Lynks. The Links acquired
Djna Carrington and in exchange, the Dallas Wings have received
(12:53):
Diamond Miller, Carly Samuelson, who they have waived since since
the trade, and then the twenty twenty seven second round
draft pick. Now, I like this trade for both teams.
You get a young, experienced player in Diamond Miller who
really her ceiling is to be determined, but you know
(13:15):
she can add some size, some three point shooting to
the Dallas Wings. You get a draft pick to help
you continue to build that roster around Page Becker's and
arique A Gumbawalle. And then in exchange, the Minnesotalynx get
Djone Carrington. Now, this is a player who has played
with players like Courtney Williams, Natitia Heideman in Connecticut, Atlanta
(13:37):
Smith in college at Stanford, So the chemistry is there.
You get someone who can defend the perimeter as well,
and so I like this trade. I think it's an
even trade for both teams. What was their thought about
the trade? I think it's a win win.
Speaker 3 (13:55):
You know, I think for Djona, there's been a lot
of commentary around her play this season, and so I
just want to remind people that she was the most
improved player last year and she's made all defensive teams.
So she's a very good player. And I think that
(14:21):
Dallas just probably wasn't the right fit for her because
what wasn't really being acknowledged about Dallas, and maybe it
was they needed time to see, is that they are
a team rebuilding, and I feel like this trade put
the like real stamp on we are rebuilding, you know,
an acceptance of that, and now they pull the trigger
(14:41):
on it. So for you know, a player like Diamond,
it makes complete sense. She's more aligned with that timeline
in terms of what they're doing over there, and she'll
get more playing time on a team like the Dallas Wings.
And for Dejane, who was previously with the Connecticut Son
a team that that was like a perennial playoff team,
(15:03):
you know, going deep in the playoffs, she'll have the
ability to contend for a championship potentially, and I think
she is the kind of player that can maybe help
put a championship squad over the top. You know and
compliment them, So I think it'll be good. And I
think a player a coach like coach Reeve will be
(15:23):
excellent for Djona. And I don't think she'll be asked
to do more than what's maybe within her comfort zone.
And I think in Dallas she had to play a
bigger role that maybe didn't lend to her strengths.
Speaker 2 (15:36):
But in Minnesota she won't have to do that. And
like you mentioned, the reunion with former teammates, and the
Minnesota Links already are the top defense in the league
and now they're adding another excellent defender to that, you know,
so it's a win win to me.
Speaker 1 (15:53):
Listen. I don't know if other gms around the league
are listening to this podcast, but Jonathan Colbyn the front
offense with the Minnesota Links, they are not playing games.
They are not hesitating to make moves in the second
half of the season to make their teams better, and
that's why they are the top two teams. You convinced
Emma Mesaman to come over after not playing several seasons
(16:14):
removed from the from the WNBA and now the New
York Liberty added size, versatility, a player that can just
shoot well to find an Emma Mesiman, and then the
Links they get better too by adding, as you said,
the defensive player on the reigning Improved Player of the
Year most Improved Player of the Year in Djna Carrington.
Cheryl Reeve did something in the last year. She added
(16:34):
Maisha heinz Allen and the team went to the finals.
But it's very clear that the Minnesota Links are in
a win now situation and they're going to make the
necessary moves to do that to get back to that
championship franchise that we know them to be. And I
really love this move. And as you said in Dallas,
I felt like it was hard for Djona and one
(16:55):
to kind of find to rhythm because of the injury
in the first half of the season, and then you know,
just with all of the new pieces, and then maybe
the situation wasn't what she was expecting it to be
with certain players, you know, being traded as well in
the first half of the season. So, you know, I
(17:16):
love players doing what's best for them, and it's clear
that Djna wants to be a part of team that
is winning now, and so I like this move for
both of the franchises. What do you think will be
the key to this Links team now with this new
added piece, just the key to the success. Yeah, I mean, you.
Speaker 3 (17:38):
Know, it's really hard to say a little bit because
they're already are the best team in the league at
least based on record, right. I understand that the Liberty
are still there, but based on record, offensive rating, defensive rating,
net rating, and like, they're the top team. All the
numbers are with them, and they have a five and
(17:59):
a half game lead, you know on the second team.
So they were already like winning, right, and so how
do you get better? But I think it's it's on
the margins and that's what a move like d Jena is,
you know. And also, like you know, there have been
some who will always have a little bit of concern
(18:21):
for the depth of the Minnesota Link. So at a
minimum and as a depth piece, another player you can
put out there, a player who I think is an
energy player, because the Minnesota Links are an incredibly smart team.
Speaker 1 (18:33):
They're like they're a high IQ team.
Speaker 3 (18:35):
They play basketball the right way and so even without
the feast of Collier, the reason they will always have
a chance is because one they still have other excellent
players on that team who may not always get the attention.
Speaker 2 (18:47):
But they play a very smart brand of basketball. The
ball moves, it doesn't stick.
Speaker 3 (18:53):
They make very quick decisions, they take smart shots. You know,
Becky Hammond said it recently about them. They do not
beat themselves and that doesn't change even if the Fista
Collier isn't on the court.
Speaker 1 (19:05):
And so.
Speaker 3 (19:08):
Djna will really benefit from a team like that and so,
but Djna also is a type of player that can
give you energy and a boost. You know, I'm assuming
unless something drastic changes, she's going to be coming off
the bench.
Speaker 2 (19:22):
But you have her and Natitia Hydeman coming off.
Speaker 1 (19:25):
They're both fast.
Speaker 3 (19:27):
I think Djna is an underrated you know, I think
her athleticism is underrated.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
Right, She's going to have so much space to operate
in with.
Speaker 3 (19:36):
A team like the length, she should be feasting on
cutting and moving around the court and getting easy layers
at the rim. And then just with her defensive tenacity,
you know, getting steals and letting that defense lead to offense.
So sometimes you just need like a player that has
like that energy, a dog. I know, I feel like
people over use that word, but you know, like she
(19:57):
brings that, and so I think that will be good
and you need that sometimes.
Speaker 1 (20:01):
You know.
Speaker 2 (20:03):
We saw last year in the postseason Mike Shahines Allen.
While I thought she was a.
Speaker 3 (20:06):
Great pickup in the regular season, as the postseason wore on,
they were unable to keep playing her like and so
but Dejene Carrington throughout the Connecticut Sun's run last year
until it ended, she was prevalent. She was there, she
was important, she was meaningful, she was impactful. And so
(20:28):
you're talking about a player who knows what to do,
and so I think I think she in a situation
like this, surrounded by the kinds of players she is,
I think she can have meaningful impact. And in the
worst case scenario, if she doesn't work out, you're still
the team that was the number one team in the
league with the top offense in the top defense. So
(20:48):
you know, to me, it's a low risk gamble that
you take with a potentially you know, high reward.
Speaker 1 (20:54):
You know. I also saw some people trying to criticize
the front office with the Minnesota Link, saying that show
read doesn't like to develop young players because the team
waited Elisa Peelee and obviously traded Diamond Miller, two players
that they drafted in the last couple of years, and
I beg to defer. I feel like you always from
it's always well number one, it's always a business. But
(21:17):
they wanted to add a depth, depth piece, as you said,
and a lot of things had to move in order
for this to work, and so and then I just
I just think it's an interesting thing to say, especially
because this is as you met drafted the Visa Collier
and look at her years later. Saying that you know
this is not a franchise that likes to develop players
(21:39):
is crazy considering the history of links and chivalry as
a coach. But I just feel like this is a
time where you're trying to build around the FISA and
they want to win. They want to win now, and
so doing the best possible thing before the trade deadline.
So I don't know, how do you feel about that
as a Warriors fan.
Speaker 3 (21:59):
I know that's the NBA, but like just put in
the word to timeline in Warriors and like do the
research around them. There's very it doesn't work usually it's possible.
Speaker 2 (22:11):
I think the Spurs are the only team that probably
have ever really pulled it off in the NBA. It's
a hard thing to do to develop and be a
team that's in championship contention.
Speaker 1 (22:24):
And they are.
Speaker 3 (22:25):
We're not just talking about like, oh, their playoff team
and they're building. They were in the finals last year.
They are at worst the second best team in the league.
But like I said, we're right now. I'm going to
go with the best team in the league because all
the numbers and metrics save that. So you do everything
in your power possible to maximize that window. And honestly,
(22:49):
some may not think of it this way, but they
are doing Diamond Miller a favor because players who have
great potential are stunted when they are in win now situations.
That's why, if you're following the news, there's this whole
thing going on with Jonathan Kaminga and the Warriors right
because he feels like his growth was being stunted because
he can't get the requisite playing time on a team
(23:12):
that has Steph Curry and had Klay Thompson and Draymond
Green and on and on and on.
Speaker 1 (23:18):
Right it's the veterans. And so I loved what Diamond
was doing in Minnesota.
Speaker 3 (23:24):
I've had some call outs for her this year where
I'm just like, I'm so proud of her as you know,
battling back from injury and all the stuff that she's
gone through.
Speaker 1 (23:30):
But she's going to.
Speaker 3 (23:31):
Have a much bigger role in Dallas, and I think
we need to also shout out what's happening in Dallas
and Kurt Miller. Right, there's been so much criticism around
them with their coach, and I just think in general,
first year coaches get such a hard time.
Speaker 1 (23:49):
So I'm not really gonna wait and on the coaching situation.
Speaker 3 (23:51):
But Kurt Miller, from a GMing standpoint, an asset management standpoint,
is doing an incredible job. For the Nolissa trade netted
a first round pick. In this trade, he netted a
second round plick plus a player with great potential that
can be an additional core building block to your future.
(24:12):
To pair with Page Beckers because they have control over
pages contract and at least Diamond Millers. You know, and
even though Arique will be a free agent should she
choose to stay, you know, you already have a relationship
with her. So he is setting themself, setting up that
organization very nicely with assets to really do something meaningful,
(24:33):
and I think that's what you want to see. So
that's why I go back to it being a win win,
It's like, yeah, I'm sad to see Diamond go. On
one hand, you always hate to see a player leave
the team they're drafted by, and when you go from
a winning situation to a rebuilding situation, you know that
can be hard.
Speaker 2 (24:51):
But overall, I think it's a great deal for both sides.
Speaker 3 (24:54):
And I think this means more Diamond, more Dimond playing time,
more opportunity, more a bi and potential to develop, and
that can only be a good thing.
Speaker 1 (25:03):
So I'm all in, yeah, and I like that you
bring up the Wars example. I think one of the
most recent examples that we've seen in the w is
obviously the Aces drafting those number one back to back
picks in Asia, Kelsey, Jackie, et cetera, and eventually winning
those back to back championships. It didn't happen overnight, right,
It did not happen overnight. But you know that was.
Speaker 3 (25:27):
Billy and Indiana's doing that now too, right, right, right
with Caitlin and put in the right pieces around her.
Speaker 1 (25:35):
You know, they were removed from postseason birth just a
couple of years ago, got back in it last year,
and now with what they're doing with Airy and in
the absence of Caitlin, you know, still pushing to make
a playoff birth. So you know, we see these instances
and I think that fans start to panic and oh
(25:55):
my god, like you know, because it's so hard to
get a job in the w But I like that
you said what you said about Kurt Miller because he is.
He is one of the smartest front office executives in
this league, one of the most winningest head coaches in
WNBA history. So he knows the things a thing or
two about putting together the proper roster. When you look
(26:16):
at the success Connecticut had before he went out to
la and the team that he was able to put together,
the team that Stephanie White and hearing it, that was
all Kurt Miller's doing, you know. So and that was
a team with John quell A, Lisa, dB D, Jane
and Natitia at some point Courtney. So he definitely knows
what he's doing, and you know, for what is work.
(26:40):
Dallas has been a shitty franchise excuse my language, y'all
for almost a decade. It's been real rough, and so
it's a lot of cleaning up that they have to do.
They didn't get the number one pick because they were
the best team. They got the number one pick because
they were a really terrible team. And so Kurt Miller
is making lemonade out of women's right now. And you said,
(27:02):
getting those assets preparing for the biggest free agency that's
going to happen in twenty six where almost eighty percent
of the league are going to be free agents. You
need some assets your two expansion drafts coming up, and
so I think that he's preparing for the long term.
As you had mentioned, August seventh is the trade deadline, Natalie,
(27:33):
and you know there's still some moves that could be made.
I personally think that Chicago has a lot of assets
right now in terms of players on roster who can
be valuable to other franchises where you're not this is
not a winning year for you, right Like Jeff, if
you're listening this, you guys are not going to do
anything for the rest of the season.
Speaker 3 (27:55):
I'm curious you think are tradable assets. Yeah, I would say,
MICHAELA on your wadding Elizabeth Williams, you can get some.
Speaker 1 (28:04):
Value for her. I know that she's been a little injured,
but Eryl Atkins, throw keya nurse in there, Rebecca Allen,
these are players who can be key pieces on other
teams right now? Who are who want to contend? I
know how you I know, but seriously, I think that
(28:26):
in terms of tradable players, I mean, they need to
get on the line right now and figure out how
are you going to build this team moving forward? Around
the Angels, around the Camilla Cardozo. Could there be more
moves on the way ahead of the August seventh trade deadline.
It's interesting that you bring up Chicago in theory. I
(28:49):
think you're correct. I don't expect Chicago to make moves.
Speaker 3 (28:54):
Because if they do that, it would be signaling that
they in the wrong direction, you know, and that's not
a bad thing, per se. I think it's always better
to like acknowledge and like move on than furthering the mistake.
Speaker 1 (29:13):
Right.
Speaker 3 (29:14):
But they like just to play Devil's advocate. They may say,
before Ariel got her and Angel got her, we were
turning our season around, right you know, there's and there's
daya to support that. I don't think that they were
ever going to like turn into like a team that
was going to be a playoff team this year.
Speaker 1 (29:34):
But they were at one point like.
Speaker 3 (29:37):
Similar or better record to the LA Sparks, And look
at the Sparks now right, Angel Reese made an All
Star Game for a reason. Aerol Atkins was starting to
play more aggressively, So it's kind of hard to assess
their season. But if they give up a player like
Aero Atkins, who they gave up the number three pick
(29:59):
to get, that would definitely be sending a strong message
that we went in the wrong direction.
Speaker 1 (30:04):
And from everything.
Speaker 3 (30:06):
That I've observed about that front office over there, I
don't know that that's something they're going to be willing
to do, So we'll see. With Dallas, I thought that
like crazy to say Maysha heinz Allen could potentially be
a player on the move again, just because it based
on what they've recently done trading Melissa, trading Djena.
Speaker 2 (30:30):
But I also saw a reporting that said, I don't
know that.
Speaker 3 (30:34):
I don't think that they feel as like compelled or
pressed to have to.
Speaker 1 (30:37):
Come off of Maisha.
Speaker 3 (30:39):
Also, she's injured right now, and anytime you have like injuries,
I mean, they're not like serious injuries. But I do
think that's why we haven't seen anything else about Alia
Edwards right Like earlier in the year, there was like
Alia Edwards is on the trade block and then we
haven't heard anything since and she's been dealing with injuries,
and so I think anytime you had that as especially
(31:00):
depending on the teams that might be seeking someone. If
these are teams that are looking for players to add
right now, two teams that are trying to do something,
then you can't take on a player like Aliyah for potential.
I think teams that are rebuilding can take on players
for potential. So will there be any more trades? I
think Seattle needs to make a trade or they need
(31:23):
to try to acquire a piece.
Speaker 1 (31:25):
I think that I think that their.
Speaker 3 (31:29):
Age is an issue, you know, I think that I
want to be very clear that Neka and Skuyler can
all still play at a super high level.
Speaker 2 (31:38):
They were obviously both All Stars.
Speaker 3 (31:40):
But if you think of it like the way you
think of like Lebron James, where like on a given
night he can still be, for some the best player
in the world, but he can't do that night tonight
on a consistent basis because he is older, his body
needs more time to recover. Their season got off unfortunate
(32:00):
with injuries to Horston and Samuelson. They just had so
many things that hurt, like their rotations, and so they
are top heavy and they have to play their starters
a lot of minutes, and I think they need I
know they added ti Fany Mitchell recently, but I still
think that they need some additional support over there because
(32:22):
they are a team that leads into their defense, and
they do have the number two defense, but when you
lean a lot into defense, and we know defense wins championship,
it also takes a lot out of your players on
the offensive end to perform on the other side of
the basketball. And so if they want to be a
legitimate because they've now dropped to number six in the standings,
if they want to be a legitimate postseason threat, right,
(32:46):
I think that they need to make an acquisition to
get some help over there. And so to me, they
are a team that should be calling and trying to
do something. And I'm just going to say, I'm sorry,
Aces fans, I don't think this is the year for you.
So I just think the Aces need to just try
to not make any more crazy transactions depending on who
(33:06):
you talk to, and just do their best to try
to turn their team around.
Speaker 2 (33:10):
But I think the top two.
Speaker 3 (33:11):
Teams, the Liberty and the Links, they've done it, and
I think anyone I mean, arguably the Mercury did it
too when they added Bonner. So the top teams have
already sort of made those what I think are the
final moves. And I think any other teams trying to
make moves, I don't know that any other team needs
it more than Seattle, that is, at least trying to
(33:31):
buy for a championship. Anyone else who might be doing
it is I don't know the reason they would be
doing it for.
Speaker 1 (33:38):
Yeah, So my question to you, you bring up Seattle,
you bring up you know, age and rest and recovery
being a key to why they've been inconsistent throughout the season.
I feel like they're a guard heavy team to a
certain extent. I know they have some of the best
front court players on the team. Do you move Alista Clark?
(33:59):
You move Lexi Brown ahead of the Tree deadline to
sort of get something back to help you contend and
think about the playoffs, you.
Speaker 3 (34:12):
Have to probably move Alicia Clark, not because she doesn't
add value to the team, but it's about her contract.
It's probably what's gonna net you the best assets, right,
So it's I think that's what it comes down to.
It's just the math, you know. I think Lexi isn't
really giving them that many minutes, So I don't think
from a from a from that standpoint, they'd have a
(34:33):
problem moving her. But I don't think they're going to
get much in return for her either, And so I
think the the in terms of the money, you know,
Alicia's contract is probably the one that gets them something.
Speaker 1 (34:46):
I just don't know what there is to get.
Speaker 3 (34:48):
You know, you brought up Cold earlier, and I think
something that really needs to be commended about the New
York Liberty is there scouting. And I would even give
that also as well to the val top scouts.
Speaker 1 (35:00):
The league I think goes to the Liberty. They take
it so soon. I'd actually say the Valkyries too, and like.
Speaker 3 (35:05):
Yes, but Hima came from the New York Liberty tree
so right, and so the ability to scout and find
players in other places. And I don't know, I'm actually
gonna even give the Fever whatever they're doing over there now,
they've made some really smart decisions, you know, picking up
(35:26):
Aaron McDonald and adding Bibby. I thought it was unfortunate
that the Valkyries had to cut Bibby and then they
had some more injuries, and I'm like, mad, I know
they wish they could have her now. And when she
did the first hardship contract in India, I was like,
I'm watching closely because if for some reason the Fever
doesn't re sign her, I was positive that the Valkyries
would probably go after her again and they didn't. But
(35:48):
these the scouting is so important, and so I don't
know what kind of scouting Seattle has because the answer
may not be a current player in the league.
Speaker 1 (35:58):
Right.
Speaker 3 (35:58):
Well, what I'm saying is they need help. They need help,
and or maybe it's just saying we're gonna trust Dominique Malangamore.
I don't know what it is, but they need help.
They cannot keep playing Mecca and Skylar the minute that
they do and really expect, in my opinion, a deep
(36:19):
postseason run. So they need to relieve some pressure off
of them. And so I don't know where it comes from.
I don't know the answer. I don't know that I
think there's a player that could be available that's gonna
make that significant difference because I'm not sure who's available,
but I think they are the main team I'm watching
to see to potentially make a move before the trade
(36:42):
deadline ends. I mean, that's I like what you said
about that, And we have to like Mecca and Skyler
are two different players, two different positions guard, point guard,
front court and forward, power forward, and so I think that, yeah,
you trust Dominique Malanga a little bit more.
Speaker 1 (36:57):
She's experienced. She's been a professional athlete for a little
while now, and I think her trajectory, especially in this league,
especially for the Storm, is astronomical. The things that she's
going to do. I feel like she can relieve some
minutes for Neka. I think when it comes to guard depth,
that's the that's really the issue, the wing position and
(37:20):
how do you supplement that And you you said it's
all about the numbers and the hard salary cap and
moving things around. Should they move ac who's on, Who's
who's available in the in the pool of players that
can fill that gap at the wing or at the
point guard position, don't? I don't.
Speaker 3 (37:43):
There's no one immediately that comes to mind, right, That's
what I'm saying. Maybe someone oversees that we're not thinking
of and seeing. And I mean, look at the player.
I'm sorry, her name is escaping me, who just came
over to Connecticut. Like she's making a big difference there already,
like from like it might be someone overseas. I'm not
(38:04):
saying it is, but it might be. And also I
started reporting that Dallas may pick back up Grace Burger, right,
and so she's just been out there, you know, and
no one crabbed her. So this takes That's why I'm
saying this takes good scouting, Like who is out there?
I don't know enough about Stattle's scouting team department to
(38:25):
the extended even exists to say that they are doing
the but I don't see I like the tiff individual pickup,
but they need more.
Speaker 1 (38:31):
Yeah, yeah, And you know, I think that's I think
as this league continues to grow, it is going to
be the little things, right. It's not necessarily all about
the facilities and about I mean, it is about that
the player experience, et cetera. But it's really like, who
do you have in your front office? Who is doing
the scouting. The biggest story that I think in terms
(38:54):
of lack of scouting is the story of Leoni Feebitch,
and she told the story of how she was drafted
by the Sparks and herrits kept getting traded and traded,
and everyone's like, who the hell is Leoni Feebitch? Who
is this player? And it took the Liberty to contact her,
and she said like, she wasn't planning on coming because
none of the teams that had her rights actually took
(39:16):
the initiative to reach out to her. But in comes
Jonathan cole right and just taking that first potential step
and she ends up being a steal for the Liberty
won the championship in that same year. So I think
that's a good point about who is doing the scouting.
Speaker 3 (39:31):
And that means something to those players when you get
that like because you wanted them, and Lailo Lacan, I'm
sorry with the player who's that?
Speaker 1 (39:38):
Nan? Yes? Yeah, And to your point, the Phoenix Mercury
have done a great job this year too, excellent excellent
scouting over there. Yes, because you already know how I
felt about them before the season. I'm like, who the
f is this roster? Like these players and they shove
me right up. So they did a great job with
their scouting, especially finding players, like you said, that may
(40:02):
not be available here stateside that are overseas, and I think,
especially this season, we're seeing more and more overseas players
come over and commit to the W and so that's
going to be an important piece for franchises to think
about moving forward, especially and the biggest free agency that
is happening in twenty six two expansions drafts. I really
(40:22):
like what Ohima did. She came on the show after
their expansion drafts. She talked about how they had some
of the most international players on their team. And you
know some of these international players, I mean, you see
the trend happening in the NBA with more European players
coming over and sometimes playing better than some of the stars.
(40:43):
You see that trend happening here in the league as well.
So it's definitely something to keep an eye on, all right,
last one before we let you get out of here.
There's been some there's been a lot of different reporting
about the Connecticut Sun potential sell and move to Boston.
And so here's what we know. Steve pak Luca, who
(41:06):
is a minority owner of the Boston Celtics, is attempting
to purchase the Connecticut Sun for on or around three
hundred and twenty five million dollars, and he desires to
relocate the team. But still this is a deal that,
according to multiple reports, was presented to the Sun and
(41:27):
also to Kathy Engelbert in July, but was awaiting approval
from the WNBA Board of Governors, And so there was
a lot of conflicting reports. The first initial reports that
the Soul the cell happened, and that is something that
is not accurate. The sale did not happen.
Speaker 3 (41:47):
I think Gary Washbrun's reporting was that the the Sun
agreed to the sale as like in principle, so it's
an offer they accepted, but it was still or it
needed to be approved by the Board of Governors. So
I think the headline was a little misleading, misleading, but
(42:08):
from the actual like reporting in the story, it's just
that the Sun accepted that offer and that's the offer
they would like to proceed with, subject to approval by
the Board of Governors.
Speaker 1 (42:29):
In the last forty eight hours or so, it has
been so so much happening. But a WNBA spokesperson responded
to The Athletic by saying, quote, relocation decisions are made
by the WNBA Board of Governors and not by individual teams.
We know that it has to be a boat by
the Board of Governors, which also includes to MI understanding
(42:53):
some of the NBA on some owners from the NBA
side as well as part of our most recent expansion
process in which three new franchises were awarded to Cleveland, Detroit,
and Philadelphia on June thirtieth, twenty twenty five, nine additional
cities also applied for w NBA teams and remain under
(43:13):
active consideration. No groups from Boston applied for a team
at that time, and those are the city's remain under
consideration based on the extensive work they did as part
of the expansion process and currently have priority over Boston
over Boston. Celtics perspective owner Bill Chisholm has also reached
(43:36):
out to the League office and asked that Boston received
strong consideration for a WA franchise of the at the
appropriate time. Sorry end quote. So what it seems to
be happening is, yes, it seems like the Sun and
Steve they have been discussing the potential seal and the
(43:58):
Son agreed in principle that this is this is what
they want to do, and League is like wait, wait, wait, wait,
wait a minute, like there's steps that has to happen,
and maybe Steve and his group kind of jumped the
gun a little bit when it's all said and done, right,
because it seems like the league would rather get the
(44:19):
expansion fee to move to Boston rather than relocate, to
have a team that's already established relocate. And we know
how much these teams are costing. These expansion teams are costing.
Think the latest one was about two hundred and fifty million,
and when the Valkyries was purchased, it was a ten
million dollar deal over X amount of years. So we
(44:41):
see that the values in terms of the team values,
it's going up and up year over year. Steve definitely
released a statement, and I'm gonna try to read some
of it, not all of it, but this statement from
Steve says, quote, while it was the PAGs group's policy
to decline comment on the transaction until they are completed,
(45:03):
out of respect for the WNBA NBA, we feel compelled
to clarify the status of possible acquisition of the Connecticut Sun.
An investor group led by the PAS Group and supported
by Massachusetts Governor Moore Healey and Rhode Island Governor Daniel
McKee has offered to acquire the Connecticut Son with the
objective of keeping New England's WNBA team in New England.
(45:25):
No transaction has been agreed yet, so even in the
early reporting of gary'spot, he's saying the transaction hasn't even
been agreed yet, So he's kind of like taking a
little backpedal saying that we haven't even agreed to a
transaction yet. As avid basketball fans improven sports team operators,
we admire the Mohigan tribe for their great stewardship of
the Connecticut Sun. Over the past two decades, the Mohegan
(45:48):
Tribe has invested substantial time and resources into the Sun
and has built a strong New England presence for the WNBA.
Our objective should be acquired team is to honor that legacy,
further invest in the team, grow it's to voted fan
base in the region, and build a championship team that
players and fans continue to be proud of. Essential to
our proposals enabling the Sun to play in a larger
(46:10):
capacity arenas and New England, we believe our records set
an offer in deep commitment to growing the WNBA in
the region that is home to the most passionate basketball
fans in the nation will significantly significantly benefit the league,
the team, and all of his fans. Our offer is
subject to obtaining the required league approvals, as in the
(46:30):
case for all such transactions. This approval has not yet
been obtained thus far, and we cannot proceed without it.
We will respect cooperating with and a bye by all
league rules and decisions on these matters. I'm just gonna
end quote right there, but it seems like he sort
of backpedaling after the league came out with their statement
saying like balls like these are the teams and expansion
(46:51):
cities that actually went through the process for expansion. Boston
was not one of those cities, and it's all about
trusting the process going through the pross as you cannot
jump steps. What were your thoughts about about this news? Yeah,
so all right.
Speaker 3 (47:09):
I think at the outset, we need to understand that
there is a difference between expansion and relocation, and these
two processes are being conflated. So honestly, it is the
WNBA statement that makes actually is confusing to me because
they brought up expansion and expansion has nothing to do
with with like, it is not a requirement for you
(47:32):
to submit a bid for expansion if you want to
buy a team and relocate it. In fact, the Connecticut
Sun was a relocated team. They were the Orlando Miracle,
was it right? And they were relocated to Connecticut. There
is no requirement when you purchase a team, if you
were going to try to relocate it, that you have
(47:53):
at some time submitted an expansion bid. That's not a requirement.
So it's kind of a relevant information.
Speaker 1 (48:02):
That it's been the story a little bit, not really
connected with dots.
Speaker 3 (48:06):
Yeah, it's relevant information, and that it lets us know
that the league is, in my opinion, throwing its weight
around a little bit. Like to me, this entire thing
feels semantical. It seems like a bit of a pissing match.
I don't actually think Steve was walking back anything, because
(48:28):
you cannot present something to a board of governors for
approval if the seller and buyer have not reached an
agreement in principle, because there would be nothing to present.
So Gary Washburn's reporting is accurate. They and Generalzzotti basically
confirmed that Steve submitted something to them.
Speaker 1 (48:48):
The Tribe liked his offer and they sent it to Kathy.
Speaker 3 (48:52):
Kathy's role at that point was to present it to
the Board of Governors. What we don't have an answer
to is why Kathy never presented it. But for it
to get to Kathy, that means the Mogigan Tribe and
PAGs that bid the Boston bid, they had reached an
agreement and thought that they had a proposal that they
(49:12):
now wanted to present to the w NBA. You can't
get to the Board of Governors if those two parties
did not have an agreement.
Speaker 1 (49:19):
So there is an agreement.
Speaker 3 (49:21):
Between them in terms of, like, we agree to this
the terms of what you're offering to purchase, and now
let's turn it over to the WNBA. With that also
came an exclusivity window, as reported by Front Office Sports.
Speaker 1 (49:36):
And so.
Speaker 3 (49:38):
That because the from the time that they turned this
over to Kathy reportedly in July until now, since it
never went before the Board of Governors, that exclusivity window
is now over. That's what opens the door for this
group in Heart in Hertford or the Hertford group. I
shouldn't say in Hertford that it's led by Mark Lazriy
(50:01):
is it Lasry if I'm pronouncing that correctly, who used
to be infiliated with the Bucks to put forth a
Hartford bid. Right, there's very loose details about both bids.
So here's what we know. Right, he wants to move
it to an arena in Hertford that can accommodate around
(50:21):
sixteen thousand are the purported numbers. Okay, it's unclear what
this because I don't believe the Boston bid is saying
that the games will be played in TD Garden.
Speaker 1 (50:33):
So they said they kept using New England the entire
region of New England.
Speaker 3 (50:38):
They didn't correct, and so but they will have to
have a home arena, and so I don't know the
capacity of that, but we imagine the capacity is obviously
going to exceed what Mohegan Sun is, which is i'd
be like a nine thousand capacity, right, it's one of
the smaller arenas in the leads. Okay, so based on
(51:02):
what they're suggesting, but we don't have like exact numbers
for that. Also, what the Boston bid, led by Steve
pag Luca has from what we know about the reporting,
is that they he's also going to or he's committed
to an additional one hundred million for facility. So that's
separate from the offer of three hundred and twenty five
(51:25):
million to purchase right for the buck not the bucks bad.
Speaker 1 (51:30):
I'm sorry for the Hartford bid led by Lazry.
Speaker 3 (51:35):
No exact numbers have been given, but it's said to
be comparable.
Speaker 1 (51:41):
I don't know what that means. If you don't give
me exact numbers, I don't know what that is. So
is it in a three hundred million range.
Speaker 3 (51:46):
Maybe, but there's a big difference between three hundred and
three to twenty five.
Speaker 1 (51:49):
I mean there just is right.
Speaker 3 (51:51):
Uh, And then they're no, like they're working out the facility,
So that's not ironed out how that would pay for,
who would fund it, any of that stuff.
Speaker 1 (52:02):
The other thing that may.
Speaker 3 (52:04):
Matter to people or not matter, is that Mark Lazari
is currently embroiled in a lawsuit. He's being sued for
sexual harassment and he also is countersuing the person who
brought these allegations against him, but that is still a pending.
Speaker 1 (52:23):
Not even pending, it is a litigation. It is ongoing.
Speaker 3 (52:25):
Those cases have been filed, and there's great reporting from
Emily Adams out of the Hertford current about this. If
people want to go read on it further and get
more of those details, and then you can of course
look up the legal filings and see what the claims are.
I would personally be concerned as someone who used to
do deal work because my former I'm a lawyer for
(52:45):
anyone who doesn't know, and I used to formally practice
and I worked on deals, mergers and acquisitions, sales, things
like that, and your ongoing litigations are always something that's
a factor. It doesn't mean that a deal can't go through,
and a lawsuit is just that it's a lawsuit. It
doesn't mean that you actually did something and you have
(53:06):
to go through the process and it could be settled.
Speaker 2 (53:08):
But ongoing litigations matter.
Speaker 3 (53:11):
They're always pertinent in a sale, and I would want
something like that resolved before pursuing that, you know, in
my opinion, So again, it just depends on like what matters.
But I think you were onto something where you say
(53:31):
that there is a fee that's involved when you're going
to be in an expansion team. It's a two hundred
and fifty dollars million fee. That's what it seems that
all the others have paid so far. So it seems
like it's probably a set fee. I don't know that
it changes by city, but it's been two hundred and
fifty million that's paid to the league in this situation.
If PAGs was to purchase the Connecticut Son, that money's
(53:54):
going to the tribe. It's not going to the league, right,
and so in that instance, the league is not getting
that money. And so yes, I do think the league
is probably incentivized to want expansion money. But it was
also noted that Boston, despite all of their stating that
(54:16):
Boston hasn't done what all the others did, they still
gave us a note about the current Boston ownership saying.
Speaker 1 (54:23):
You know, keep us in mind for the future.
Speaker 3 (54:26):
And there's also been reporting that they would be considering
Boston for twenty thirty three. That's eight years away. So
if you force the Mohegan tried to accept this Hartford
bid and.
Speaker 1 (54:40):
Then you're going to bring Boston in twenty thirty three,
I don't understand that.
Speaker 3 (54:45):
So, and the League has not responded to like like
some questions where people have reached out for their information,
they haven't responded yet. So a lot of this is
still ongoing and there's a lot at play, but it
does seem clear to me based on everything that's come
from the League that they don't seem to be in
(55:09):
full throated support of this Boston bid for whatever reason,
at least.
Speaker 1 (55:17):
Front facing the statements, that's what it appears, you know.
Speaker 3 (55:20):
So there's a little like us making assumptions because we're
just basing it on the.
Speaker 2 (55:24):
Statements that they've given.
Speaker 3 (55:27):
But at the end of the day, right now, these
seem to be the two bids that are out there,
But it has been made clear that the bid that
the Mohegan Tribe wants to accept that they are more
interested in, is the Boston based bid. That is the
one that the tribe would like to accept and that
they would like the Board of Governors to approve.
Speaker 1 (55:49):
So time will tell, but.
Speaker 3 (55:51):
I'm just gonna say tell you, in my personal opinion,
even if you didn't ask for it, I think the
team should be moved to Boston. It seems like a
no brainer to me, and I understand that there's an
existing fan base, and I feel like if it is
truly New England's team, the part of New England that
it's based in shouldn't be an issue and The biggest
(56:14):
city in the New England area is Boston, so unfortunately
that is always going to provide the most opportunity then
a smaller city, even if you move it to Hartford.
There have been two games played in Boston at TD Garden.
They were sold out players. When dj A Carrington was
(56:34):
on the team, she tweeted when it was announced that
Jason Tatum was putting together a bid, she tweeted, why
not do something for Boston. Sanaia Rivers is on record
talking about the team relocating to Boston. This was before
this Boston bid came out. So you also have players
expressing a desire to go there for travel purposes, and
(56:55):
then out of Boston is easier.
Speaker 1 (56:57):
So there's just a lot of factors.
Speaker 3 (56:59):
I understand that you're taking a team out of Connecticut
and the fans who have been local and supportive, and
you know, making them have to drive two hours further
would probably inhimit. Some of that. I do understand that,
and I think there's workarounds around that, like playing some
games during the year in Connecticut and different things. Right, So,
I think you can put together something that addresses all
(57:19):
of that. But I think what provides the most opportunity
for the league in terms of generating revenue for the
individual team and the players is Boston. So I am
an advocate and supporter of the team moving to Boston.
Speaker 1 (57:32):
I'm a huge advocate of a team moving to Boston too,
just for selfish travel reasons. It's easier for me to
get to Boston from New York City on a forty
five minuted flight than to get to the Mohican Sun.
But to your point, I think that from Steve statement,
it kept saying New England, New England and bringing up
(57:53):
the entire region. So it would be interesting if they
take the same approach as the Canada Toronto Tempo team,
where it's just like this is Canada's team and playing,
you know, several games around Canada versus one like you
have your main base place, but also just serving the
entire region. So we'll see. We'll keep our eyes on
(58:14):
this story of expansion. We know that the Connecticut Son
early on when the first news first broke, that they
were looking to sell and we're like, oh, no, you
want to keep the team in Connecticut. But you know,
it seems as this story develops that might not be
the case. And so yeah, we'll keep our eyes on this. Natalie,
thank you for joining us this week on In Case
(58:35):
You Missed It. It's always good to talk hoops in
headlines with you. Thank you. That's gonna do it for
this week's episode of In Case You Missed It. Don't
forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast, and we'll
be back next time. In Case You Missed It with
Christina Williams is an iHeart women's sports production in partnership
(58:59):
with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us
on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get
your podcasts
In Case You Missed It with Christina Williams is an
iHeart Women's Sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports
and Entertainment. Welcome to another episode of In Case you
missed It with Christina Williams. Here on Iheartwomen's Sports Network.
Your girl is back in New York City. And as
(00:23):
you can see, I look like a burn carrot right
now from all of that tanning I was doing in
Puerto Rico. But nonetheless, I'm excited to be back and
this week we have some major headlines across the w
and joining us this week to help break down all
of that and more is front of the show. My homegirl,
Natalie Esquire. May know her from NBC Sports and all
(00:46):
of the other wonderful things that she does around the WNPA. No,
welcome to the show.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Christina is so happy to be back here.
Speaker 1 (00:54):
Thank you so much. Routing me. I'm not gonna lie.
I'm a little sad because I'm not waking up to
beach in ocean use it anymore. Just New York City
sirens and buildings in skyscrapers.
Speaker 3 (01:06):
I get though, I mean I'm not in the same
place as you went. You were in Puerto Rico, Right. Yeah, yeah,
that's how Jamaica always makes me feel though whenever I leave,
I'm always sad when I go back.
Speaker 1 (01:17):
Yeah. So, Nat, you know, we love to start this
show with sharing our win of the week. So what
was a win for you this week? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (01:24):
Man, I was so back and forth between this. There
is high for me, but I'm gonna go with the
La Sparks over the Seattle Storm just because that probably
I think they have a case for Game of the
Year right with just to being the first double overtime.
(01:45):
The Sparks, like their wind streak had just been snapped
by the Aces and so they got back on the
winning track.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
But they've in general just been hot.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
So that was like a really big win for them
to go in and get in c versus a team
that you know is considered by some to be a contenditor,
but they're one of the upper teams and the Sparks
are trying to prove themselves to be a playoff team
and they're trying to get there, and like this this
winning that they've been on lately is getting them closer.
(02:17):
They're right on the outside looking in of number eight,
and so I thought that was a huge win. But
I just have to give an honorable full mention to
the Connecticut Sun also beating the New York Liberty. Yes,
I know that they were shorthanded, but they still had
Sabrinian and Esco on the court, they still had John
Quell Jones on the court, and.
Speaker 1 (02:35):
They are the reigning champs.
Speaker 3 (02:37):
So for a team like Connecticut to get their fifth win,
team that hasn't been winning much, I thought that was
a really good win too.
Speaker 1 (02:44):
Wow. I think you put another spin on winto the
week is I never considered like a win of the
week that had nothing to do with the guests personally,
But I like that you gave some teams who don't
usually get their love the shout out. And to your point,
you know, the LA Sparks have been so much better
since e Lectricians Trammel has been has joined the coaching staff.
I think that this is a team that really turn
(03:06):
is turning the heel in the second half of the season.
A healthy Sparks Cam and brink Us back Rakia Jackson
is hitting her her rhythm. Finally they're finally figuring out
what works for them. But I do think that that
addition of Litercia Trammel, Julie Van lu those were key
additions to the Sparks on the coaching staff and on
the roster that has helped them have that success. And yeah,
(03:28):
the Connecticut's son went over the Liberty was a huge shocker.
We heard about the team meeting that happened shortly after
after that loss. But you know, sometimes you need to
get punched in your mouth in order to just have
that wake up call, and I think that that was
what was needed for the New York Liberty. My win
of the week was just trying something new before we
(03:51):
start a record. I said that I had never been
to an everyday people and shout out to the good
sister Ross golden Wood a. She like, hit me up
when I got back to New York's and you want
to go to EDP And I'm like, I have never
been to one, and I grew up and I'm from
New York. But it was good. Like I'm usually I'm
a Harlem girl, so you know, going to Brooklyn, it's
(04:13):
just usually not my thing. But I enjoyed my Sunday
in Brooklyn and it was like good vibes all around,
just being at a party where people are actually dancing
and not like on the phone. Black boy Joy was
there like in dancing let them Loose. I was like, yes,
this is all the vibes like this. It just summed
(04:36):
up what I hope summer twenty twenty five would be.
So shout out to everyday people. That was a win
for me to just go go there. Everyday people parties
are great. I've vent to them, so I'm glad that you. Yeah,
I can't believe I have never gone. And it took
Roz to be like smoothie, but yeah, I know. We
had such a good time. Justine Sky at the point
(04:57):
that we went to so that was really dope. She
showcased some new some new music. But yeah, like I said,
it was good vibes. Everybody is happy letting lose his
At the end of it, Ros and I were like,
were you I didn't know I was dancing. Yeah, I
got my little two steps. But at the end of it,
I was gonna say. Ros and I we were both like,
we need to take torking classes because that's not there.
(05:20):
So we are looking for torking classes in New York
City before the summer is out. There's any I want
to teach us we are open to booking a class
with you. But yeah, let's get into this week's headlines.
Making the top of the list right now, MVP candidate,
front runner and a piece of Collier will be out
(05:41):
for two weeks due to a right ankle injury. And
you know, we've been talking about the impact of a
condensed season and how they have been kind of one
of the leading back just to some of these injuries,
especially to some of the star players. Now you have
an pies of Collier out, who is the front runner
for MVP the season, Kitton Clark is out, Branda Stewart
(06:02):
is still out. These are like top tier first team
all WNBA type players and you know, being out for
extended periods of time. So when we look at where
the Links are, and we'll talk about the trade a
little bit later, but specifically for an piece of Collier
and her being out for the next two weeks or so,
how do you think that that absence will impact this
(06:24):
Links team, who is currently number one in the standings.
Speaker 3 (06:27):
Yeah, you know, before the report even came down with that,
you know it's going to be at least two weeks.
And I think we have to be clear that she's
not necessarily coming back in two weeks, you know, that's
like an estimate.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
But also with John Quel Jones.
Speaker 3 (06:40):
When she was out, they said four to six weeks,
and she did come back basically after four weeks. So
sometimes you never really know with these But even before
knowing about that, I looked at their schedule and I
thought that, you know, the Links have a really favorable schedule,
so it would probably be okay.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
As long as it wasn't as severe injury.
Speaker 3 (07:01):
And if they're estimating two weeks, that's not light because
you know, some players come back after a couple of
days after an ancle injury, but it's not so severe
that like you know, like John Quaul was out like
several several weeks, right, So I think they made out well.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
It sounds like from you know, their further testing.
Speaker 3 (07:21):
When I say their schedule is favorable, it's not based
on the opponent, because their next four games are the Storm,
the Links, and then twice versus the Liberty. But it's
favorable in that over a two week span, So from
the time of the injury, right, which was on Saturday,
(07:42):
their next three games brings them to Sunday, August tenth,
so that would really be a two week period and
they only play three games in that span, three games, so.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
It's favorable in that it's only three games.
Speaker 3 (08:00):
You know, the Storm Mystics honestly, and you know and
Liberty are obviously all formidable teams, you know, so, but
they've shown that they can win without a FISA Collier.
It might be harder, it might look differently, but they
have the ability to win games. You know, they might
(08:20):
lose some without her, they might lose all of them
without her, but they also have a five and a
half game lead on the next best team and the standings,
which is the Liberty, So they also have the cushion
to absorb losses. So if she really only remains out
for about two weeks, I think they're gonna be fine.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
And also if they win a couple.
Speaker 3 (08:42):
Then it even gives them the ability maybe to not
even rush her to be back or put pressure for her, like,
you know, to be like I need to get back
because we're losing.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
Yeah, And to your point, I mean, we're nearing the
end of the season in a couple of weeks anyway,
so it's like you want her to get rest, to
get prepared for the postse and as you said, they
do have the cushion to absorb some losses given the space,
the separation between the Links and everyone else in the league.
(09:10):
But it's just unfortunate to see this many injuries, especially
to some of the biggest names in Stars and the
w this season. I don't think that we've seen anything
like this in recent years. We talked about this last
(09:34):
week on the show, is that maybe the players would
want to put this as a priority in the next CBA.
In terms of the condensed schedule, we know that there's
a lot of logistics that happens when it comes to
scheduling arena availability with the other leagues around summer concerts,
et cetera, et cetera. But I think that is definitely
(09:55):
something that w should look to just changing or finding
some sort of middle ground, because it's very unfortunate when
any player gets hurt.
Speaker 3 (10:07):
For sure, it feels like it's trending that way though,
Like obviously we know the revenue share is the big
number one goal for them, but a lot has been
made of the condensed schedule, and there were the comments
from Kathy talking about the willingness to extend the season
into November so I feel like it's trending that way.
Doesn't even really seem like there's a lot of pushback
(10:29):
to that. I think it's just figuring out the schedule.
But I also, you know, I think, you know, some
injury like this injury just feels like an unfortunate one,
like Cheryl Reeve had a sub about to come in and.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
You know, Fee got injured.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
You know, I think it's important not to conflate like
this is a contact sport and injuries happen with like
the ones that are like more a results of wear
and tear, you know, and you can't always determine like
which injuries or which, but this one doesn't feel like
a weir and tear type thing.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
Is more just like this really unfortunate thing that happened.
Speaker 1 (11:06):
But like.
Speaker 3 (11:09):
Caitlin probably coming back from her growing injury when she did,
because the team is not winning and the rate at
which the games are scheduled, that does feel a little
bit more like, you know, if there was more space
in between games, she'd have more time to rest and recover. So,
you know, it's just it's a weird thing because with
(11:31):
sports there contact sport, but they're definitely is science behind
the idea of like the compressed the compression and the
rate at which you're playing games and leading to injury,
and like the data just shows like there are more injuries.
So there's a connection. So I don't think that can
be ignored. But the one other thing I will say
last year in the FISA, Collier did get injured shortly
(11:52):
before the Olympic break, and so when she came back
after the Olympic break, she did play in the Olympics,
but when she came back after Olympic break, that is
when we've seen this version of Fee that we're seeing now.
Like she was always an MVP candidate, but she went
to another level post Olympics. And I don't know if
it was like the rest of recovery. I don't know,
something just that like I need to go. I don't
(12:14):
know what it was, but that is a definitely point
in time that we can pinpoint that her level increased
and she's been NonStop since. So I'm just like reminding
people that if that's what she did after a break
last year, what will happen potentially this year after a
two week break.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
Yeah, no, certainly, And we'll keep us on any updates
regarding the thesis return to the Links. Sticking with the Links,
the biggest news is the trade that went down between
the Dallas Wings and the Minnesota Lynks. The Links acquired
Djna Carrington and in exchange, the Dallas Wings have received
(12:53):
Diamond Miller, Carly Samuelson, who they have waived since since
the trade, and then the twenty twenty seven second round
draft pick. Now, I like this trade for both teams.
You get a young, experienced player in Diamond Miller who
really her ceiling is to be determined, but you know
(13:15):
she can add some size, some three point shooting to
the Dallas Wings. You get a draft pick to help
you continue to build that roster around Page Becker's and
arique A Gumbawalle. And then in exchange, the Minnesotalynx get
Djone Carrington. Now, this is a player who has played
with players like Courtney Williams, Natitia Heideman in Connecticut, Atlanta
(13:37):
Smith in college at Stanford, So the chemistry is there.
You get someone who can defend the perimeter as well,
and so I like this trade. I think it's an
even trade for both teams. What was their thought about
the trade? I think it's a win win.
Speaker 3 (13:55):
You know, I think for Djona, there's been a lot
of commentary around her play this season, and so I
just want to remind people that she was the most
improved player last year and she's made all defensive teams.
So she's a very good player. And I think that
(14:21):
Dallas just probably wasn't the right fit for her because
what wasn't really being acknowledged about Dallas, and maybe it
was they needed time to see, is that they are
a team rebuilding, and I feel like this trade put
the like real stamp on we are rebuilding, you know,
an acceptance of that, and now they pull the trigger
(14:41):
on it. So for you know, a player like Diamond,
it makes complete sense. She's more aligned with that timeline
in terms of what they're doing over there, and she'll
get more playing time on a team like the Dallas Wings.
And for Dejane, who was previously with the Connecticut Son
a team that that was like a perennial playoff team,
(15:03):
you know, going deep in the playoffs, she'll have the
ability to contend for a championship potentially, and I think
she is the kind of player that can maybe help
put a championship squad over the top. You know and
compliment them, So I think it'll be good. And I
think a player a coach like coach Reeve will be
(15:23):
excellent for Djona. And I don't think she'll be asked
to do more than what's maybe within her comfort zone.
And I think in Dallas she had to play a
bigger role that maybe didn't lend to her strengths.
Speaker 2 (15:36):
But in Minnesota she won't have to do that. And
like you mentioned, the reunion with former teammates, and the
Minnesota Links already are the top defense in the league
and now they're adding another excellent defender to that, you know,
so it's a win win to me.
Speaker 1 (15:53):
Listen. I don't know if other gms around the league
are listening to this podcast, but Jonathan Colbyn the front
offense with the Minnesota Links, they are not playing games.
They are not hesitating to make moves in the second
half of the season to make their teams better, and
that's why they are the top two teams. You convinced
Emma Mesaman to come over after not playing several seasons
(16:14):
removed from the from the WNBA and now the New
York Liberty added size, versatility, a player that can just
shoot well to find an Emma Mesiman, and then the
Links they get better too by adding, as you said,
the defensive player on the reigning Improved Player of the
Year most Improved Player of the Year in Djna Carrington.
Cheryl Reeve did something in the last year. She added
(16:34):
Maisha heinz Allen and the team went to the finals.
But it's very clear that the Minnesota Links are in
a win now situation and they're going to make the
necessary moves to do that to get back to that
championship franchise that we know them to be. And I
really love this move. And as you said in Dallas,
I felt like it was hard for Djona and one
(16:55):
to kind of find to rhythm because of the injury
in the first half of the season, and then you know,
just with all of the new pieces, and then maybe
the situation wasn't what she was expecting it to be
with certain players, you know, being traded as well in
the first half of the season. So, you know, I
(17:16):
love players doing what's best for them, and it's clear
that Djna wants to be a part of team that
is winning now, and so I like this move for
both of the franchises. What do you think will be
the key to this Links team now with this new
added piece, just the key to the success. Yeah, I mean, you.
Speaker 3 (17:38):
Know, it's really hard to say a little bit because
they're already are the best team in the league at
least based on record, right. I understand that the Liberty
are still there, but based on record, offensive rating, defensive rating,
net rating, and like, they're the top team. All the
numbers are with them, and they have a five and
(17:59):
a half game lead, you know on the second team.
So they were already like winning, right, and so how
do you get better? But I think it's it's on
the margins and that's what a move like d Jena is,
you know. And also, like you know, there have been
some who will always have a little bit of concern
(18:21):
for the depth of the Minnesota Link. So at a
minimum and as a depth piece, another player you can
put out there, a player who I think is an
energy player, because the Minnesota Links are an incredibly smart team.
Speaker 1 (18:33):
They're like they're a high IQ team.
Speaker 3 (18:35):
They play basketball the right way and so even without
the feast of Collier, the reason they will always have
a chance is because one they still have other excellent
players on that team who may not always get the attention.
Speaker 2 (18:47):
But they play a very smart brand of basketball. The
ball moves, it doesn't stick.
Speaker 3 (18:53):
They make very quick decisions, they take smart shots. You know,
Becky Hammond said it recently about them. They do not
beat themselves and that doesn't change even if the Fista
Collier isn't on the court.
Speaker 1 (19:05):
And so.
Speaker 3 (19:08):
Djna will really benefit from a team like that and so,
but Djna also is a type of player that can
give you energy and a boost. You know, I'm assuming
unless something drastic changes, she's going to be coming off
the bench.
Speaker 2 (19:22):
But you have her and Natitia Hydeman coming off.
Speaker 1 (19:25):
They're both fast.
Speaker 3 (19:27):
I think Djna is an underrated you know, I think
her athleticism is underrated.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
Right, She's going to have so much space to operate
in with.
Speaker 3 (19:36):
A team like the length, she should be feasting on
cutting and moving around the court and getting easy layers
at the rim. And then just with her defensive tenacity,
you know, getting steals and letting that defense lead to offense.
So sometimes you just need like a player that has
like that energy, a dog. I know, I feel like
people over use that word, but you know, like she
(19:57):
brings that, and so I think that will be good
and you need that sometimes.
Speaker 1 (20:01):
You know.
Speaker 2 (20:03):
We saw last year in the postseason Mike Shahines Allen.
While I thought she was a.
Speaker 3 (20:06):
Great pickup in the regular season, as the postseason wore on,
they were unable to keep playing her like and so
but Dejene Carrington throughout the Connecticut Sun's run last year
until it ended, she was prevalent. She was there, she
was important, she was meaningful, she was impactful. And so
(20:28):
you're talking about a player who knows what to do,
and so I think I think she in a situation
like this, surrounded by the kinds of players she is,
I think she can have meaningful impact. And in the
worst case scenario, if she doesn't work out, you're still
the team that was the number one team in the
league with the top offense in the top defense. So
(20:48):
you know, to me, it's a low risk gamble that
you take with a potentially you know, high reward.
Speaker 1 (20:54):
You know. I also saw some people trying to criticize
the front office with the Minnesota Link, saying that show
read doesn't like to develop young players because the team
waited Elisa Peelee and obviously traded Diamond Miller, two players
that they drafted in the last couple of years, and
I beg to defer. I feel like you always from
it's always well number one, it's always a business. But
(21:17):
they wanted to add a depth, depth piece, as you said,
and a lot of things had to move in order
for this to work, and so and then I just
I just think it's an interesting thing to say, especially
because this is as you met drafted the Visa Collier
and look at her years later. Saying that you know
this is not a franchise that likes to develop players
(21:39):
is crazy considering the history of links and chivalry as
a coach. But I just feel like this is a
time where you're trying to build around the FISA and
they want to win. They want to win now, and
so doing the best possible thing before the trade deadline.
So I don't know, how do you feel about that
as a Warriors fan.
Speaker 3 (21:59):
I know that's the NBA, but like just put in
the word to timeline in Warriors and like do the
research around them. There's very it doesn't work usually it's possible.
Speaker 2 (22:11):
I think the Spurs are the only team that probably
have ever really pulled it off in the NBA. It's
a hard thing to do to develop and be a
team that's in championship contention.
Speaker 1 (22:24):
And they are.
Speaker 3 (22:25):
We're not just talking about like, oh, their playoff team
and they're building. They were in the finals last year.
They are at worst the second best team in the league.
But like I said, we're right now. I'm going to
go with the best team in the league because all
the numbers and metrics save that. So you do everything
in your power possible to maximize that window. And honestly,
(22:49):
some may not think of it this way, but they
are doing Diamond Miller a favor because players who have
great potential are stunted when they are in win now situations.
That's why, if you're following the news, there's this whole
thing going on with Jonathan Kaminga and the Warriors right
because he feels like his growth was being stunted because
he can't get the requisite playing time on a team
(23:12):
that has Steph Curry and had Klay Thompson and Draymond
Green and on and on and on.
Speaker 1 (23:18):
Right it's the veterans. And so I loved what Diamond
was doing in Minnesota.
Speaker 3 (23:24):
I've had some call outs for her this year where
I'm just like, I'm so proud of her as you know,
battling back from injury and all the stuff that she's
gone through.
Speaker 1 (23:30):
But she's going to.
Speaker 3 (23:31):
Have a much bigger role in Dallas, and I think
we need to also shout out what's happening in Dallas
and Kurt Miller. Right, there's been so much criticism around
them with their coach, and I just think in general,
first year coaches get such a hard time.
Speaker 1 (23:49):
So I'm not really gonna wait and on the coaching situation.
Speaker 3 (23:51):
But Kurt Miller, from a GMing standpoint, an asset management standpoint,
is doing an incredible job. For the Nolissa trade netted
a first round pick. In this trade, he netted a
second round plick plus a player with great potential that
can be an additional core building block to your future.
(24:12):
To pair with Page Beckers because they have control over
pages contract and at least Diamond Millers. You know, and
even though Arique will be a free agent should she
choose to stay, you know, you already have a relationship
with her. So he is setting themself, setting up that
organization very nicely with assets to really do something meaningful,
(24:33):
and I think that's what you want to see. So
that's why I go back to it being a win win,
It's like, yeah, I'm sad to see Diamond go. On
one hand, you always hate to see a player leave
the team they're drafted by, and when you go from
a winning situation to a rebuilding situation, you know that
can be hard.
Speaker 2 (24:51):
But overall, I think it's a great deal for both sides.
Speaker 3 (24:54):
And I think this means more Diamond, more Dimond playing time,
more opportunity, more a bi and potential to develop, and
that can only be a good thing.
Speaker 1 (25:03):
So I'm all in, yeah, and I like that you
bring up the Wars example. I think one of the
most recent examples that we've seen in the w is
obviously the Aces drafting those number one back to back
picks in Asia, Kelsey, Jackie, et cetera, and eventually winning
those back to back championships. It didn't happen overnight, right,
It did not happen overnight. But you know that was.
Speaker 3 (25:27):
Billy and Indiana's doing that now too, right, right, right
with Caitlin and put in the right pieces around her.
Speaker 1 (25:35):
You know, they were removed from postseason birth just a
couple of years ago, got back in it last year,
and now with what they're doing with Airy and in
the absence of Caitlin, you know, still pushing to make
a playoff birth. So you know, we see these instances
and I think that fans start to panic and oh
(25:55):
my god, like you know, because it's so hard to
get a job in the w But I like that
you said what you said about Kurt Miller because he is.
He is one of the smartest front office executives in
this league, one of the most winningest head coaches in
WNBA history. So he knows the things a thing or
two about putting together the proper roster. When you look
(26:16):
at the success Connecticut had before he went out to
la and the team that he was able to put together,
the team that Stephanie White and hearing it, that was
all Kurt Miller's doing, you know. So and that was
a team with John quell A, Lisa, dB D, Jane
and Natitia at some point Courtney. So he definitely knows
what he's doing, and you know, for what is work.
(26:40):
Dallas has been a shitty franchise excuse my language, y'all
for almost a decade. It's been real rough, and so
it's a lot of cleaning up that they have to do.
They didn't get the number one pick because they were
the best team. They got the number one pick because
they were a really terrible team. And so Kurt Miller
is making lemonade out of women's right now. And you said,
(27:02):
getting those assets preparing for the biggest free agency that's
going to happen in twenty six where almost eighty percent
of the league are going to be free agents. You
need some assets your two expansion drafts coming up, and
so I think that he's preparing for the long term.
As you had mentioned, August seventh is the trade deadline, Natalie,
(27:33):
and you know there's still some moves that could be made.
I personally think that Chicago has a lot of assets
right now in terms of players on roster who can
be valuable to other franchises where you're not this is
not a winning year for you, right Like Jeff, if
you're listening this, you guys are not going to do
anything for the rest of the season.
Speaker 3 (27:55):
I'm curious you think are tradable assets. Yeah, I would say,
MICHAELA on your wadding Elizabeth Williams, you can get some.
Speaker 1 (28:04):
Value for her. I know that she's been a little injured,
but Eryl Atkins, throw keya nurse in there, Rebecca Allen,
these are players who can be key pieces on other
teams right now? Who are who want to contend? I
know how you I know, but seriously, I think that
(28:26):
in terms of tradable players, I mean, they need to
get on the line right now and figure out how
are you going to build this team moving forward? Around
the Angels, around the Camilla Cardozo. Could there be more
moves on the way ahead of the August seventh trade deadline.
It's interesting that you bring up Chicago in theory. I
(28:49):
think you're correct. I don't expect Chicago to make moves.
Speaker 3 (28:54):
Because if they do that, it would be signaling that
they in the wrong direction, you know, and that's not
a bad thing, per se. I think it's always better
to like acknowledge and like move on than furthering the mistake.
Speaker 1 (29:13):
Right.
Speaker 3 (29:14):
But they like just to play Devil's advocate. They may say,
before Ariel got her and Angel got her, we were
turning our season around, right you know, there's and there's
daya to support that. I don't think that they were
ever going to like turn into like a team that
was going to be a playoff team this year.
Speaker 1 (29:34):
But they were at one point like.
Speaker 3 (29:37):
Similar or better record to the LA Sparks, And look
at the Sparks now right, Angel Reese made an All
Star Game for a reason. Aerol Atkins was starting to
play more aggressively, So it's kind of hard to assess
their season. But if they give up a player like
Aero Atkins, who they gave up the number three pick
(29:59):
to get, that would definitely be sending a strong message
that we went in the wrong direction.
Speaker 1 (30:04):
And from everything.
Speaker 3 (30:06):
That I've observed about that front office over there, I
don't know that that's something they're going to be willing
to do, So we'll see. With Dallas, I thought that
like crazy to say Maysha heinz Allen could potentially be
a player on the move again, just because it based
on what they've recently done trading Melissa, trading Djena.
Speaker 2 (30:30):
But I also saw a reporting that said, I don't
know that.
Speaker 3 (30:34):
I don't think that they feel as like compelled or
pressed to have to.
Speaker 1 (30:37):
Come off of Maisha.
Speaker 3 (30:39):
Also, she's injured right now, and anytime you have like injuries,
I mean, they're not like serious injuries. But I do
think that's why we haven't seen anything else about Alia
Edwards right Like earlier in the year, there was like
Alia Edwards is on the trade block and then we
haven't heard anything since and she's been dealing with injuries,
and so I think anytime you had that as especially
(31:00):
depending on the teams that might be seeking someone. If
these are teams that are looking for players to add
right now, two teams that are trying to do something,
then you can't take on a player like Aliyah for potential.
I think teams that are rebuilding can take on players
for potential. So will there be any more trades? I
think Seattle needs to make a trade or they need
(31:23):
to try to acquire a piece.
Speaker 1 (31:25):
I think that I think that their.
Speaker 3 (31:29):
Age is an issue, you know, I think that I
want to be very clear that Neka and Skuyler can
all still play at a super high level.
Speaker 2 (31:38):
They were obviously both All Stars.
Speaker 3 (31:40):
But if you think of it like the way you
think of like Lebron James, where like on a given
night he can still be, for some the best player
in the world, but he can't do that night tonight
on a consistent basis because he is older, his body
needs more time to recover. Their season got off unfortunate
(32:00):
with injuries to Horston and Samuelson. They just had so
many things that hurt, like their rotations, and so they
are top heavy and they have to play their starters
a lot of minutes, and I think they need I
know they added ti Fany Mitchell recently, but I still
think that they need some additional support over there because
(32:22):
they are a team that leads into their defense, and
they do have the number two defense, but when you
lean a lot into defense, and we know defense wins championship,
it also takes a lot out of your players on
the offensive end to perform on the other side of
the basketball. And so if they want to be a
legitimate because they've now dropped to number six in the standings,
if they want to be a legitimate postseason threat, right,
(32:46):
I think that they need to make an acquisition to
get some help over there. And so to me, they
are a team that should be calling and trying to
do something. And I'm just going to say, I'm sorry,
Aces fans, I don't think this is the year for you.
So I just think the Aces need to just try
to not make any more crazy transactions depending on who
(33:06):
you talk to, and just do their best to try
to turn their team around.
Speaker 2 (33:10):
But I think the top two.
Speaker 3 (33:11):
Teams, the Liberty and the Links, they've done it, and
I think anyone I mean, arguably the Mercury did it
too when they added Bonner. So the top teams have
already sort of made those what I think are the
final moves. And I think any other teams trying to
make moves, I don't know that any other team needs
it more than Seattle, that is, at least trying to
(33:31):
buy for a championship. Anyone else who might be doing
it is I don't know the reason they would be
doing it for.
Speaker 1 (33:38):
Yeah, So my question to you, you bring up Seattle,
you bring up you know, age and rest and recovery
being a key to why they've been inconsistent throughout the season.
I feel like they're a guard heavy team to a
certain extent. I know they have some of the best
front court players on the team. Do you move Alista Clark?
(33:59):
You move Lexi Brown ahead of the Tree deadline to
sort of get something back to help you contend and
think about the playoffs, you.
Speaker 3 (34:12):
Have to probably move Alicia Clark, not because she doesn't
add value to the team, but it's about her contract.
It's probably what's gonna net you the best assets, right,
So it's I think that's what it comes down to.
It's just the math, you know. I think Lexi isn't
really giving them that many minutes, So I don't think
from a from a from that standpoint, they'd have a
(34:33):
problem moving her. But I don't think they're going to
get much in return for her either, And so I
think the the in terms of the money, you know,
Alicia's contract is probably the one that gets them something.
Speaker 1 (34:46):
I just don't know what there is to get.
Speaker 3 (34:48):
You know, you brought up Cold earlier, and I think
something that really needs to be commended about the New
York Liberty is there scouting. And I would even give
that also as well to the val top scouts.
Speaker 1 (35:00):
The league I think goes to the Liberty. They take
it so soon. I'd actually say the Valkyries too, and like.
Speaker 3 (35:05):
Yes, but Hima came from the New York Liberty tree
so right, and so the ability to scout and find
players in other places. And I don't know, I'm actually
gonna even give the Fever whatever they're doing over there now,
they've made some really smart decisions, you know, picking up
(35:26):
Aaron McDonald and adding Bibby. I thought it was unfortunate
that the Valkyries had to cut Bibby and then they
had some more injuries, and I'm like, mad, I know
they wish they could have her now. And when she
did the first hardship contract in India, I was like,
I'm watching closely because if for some reason the Fever
doesn't re sign her, I was positive that the Valkyries
would probably go after her again and they didn't. But
(35:48):
these the scouting is so important, and so I don't
know what kind of scouting Seattle has because the answer
may not be a current player in the league.
Speaker 1 (35:58):
Right.
Speaker 3 (35:58):
Well, what I'm saying is they need help. They need help,
and or maybe it's just saying we're gonna trust Dominique Malangamore.
I don't know what it is, but they need help.
They cannot keep playing Mecca and Skylar the minute that
they do and really expect, in my opinion, a deep
(36:19):
postseason run. So they need to relieve some pressure off
of them. And so I don't know where it comes from.
I don't know the answer. I don't know that I
think there's a player that could be available that's gonna
make that significant difference because I'm not sure who's available,
but I think they are the main team I'm watching
to see to potentially make a move before the trade
(36:42):
deadline ends. I mean, that's I like what you said
about that, And we have to like Mecca and Skyler
are two different players, two different positions guard, point guard,
front court and forward, power forward, and so I think that, yeah,
you trust Dominique Malanga a little bit more.
Speaker 1 (36:57):
She's experienced. She's been a professional athlete for a little
while now, and I think her trajectory, especially in this league,
especially for the Storm, is astronomical. The things that she's
going to do. I feel like she can relieve some
minutes for Neka. I think when it comes to guard depth,
that's the that's really the issue, the wing position and
(37:20):
how do you supplement that And you you said it's
all about the numbers and the hard salary cap and
moving things around. Should they move ac who's on, Who's
who's available in the in the pool of players that
can fill that gap at the wing or at the
point guard position, don't? I don't.
Speaker 3 (37:43):
There's no one immediately that comes to mind, right, That's
what I'm saying. Maybe someone oversees that we're not thinking
of and seeing. And I mean, look at the player.
I'm sorry, her name is escaping me, who just came
over to Connecticut. Like she's making a big difference there already,
like from like it might be someone overseas. I'm not
(38:04):
saying it is, but it might be. And also I
started reporting that Dallas may pick back up Grace Burger, right,
and so she's just been out there, you know, and
no one crabbed her. So this takes That's why I'm
saying this takes good scouting, Like who is out there?
I don't know enough about Stattle's scouting team department to
(38:25):
the extended even exists to say that they are doing
the but I don't see I like the tiff individual pickup,
but they need more.
Speaker 1 (38:31):
Yeah, yeah, And you know, I think that's I think
as this league continues to grow, it is going to
be the little things, right. It's not necessarily all about
the facilities and about I mean, it is about that
the player experience, et cetera. But it's really like, who
do you have in your front office? Who is doing
the scouting. The biggest story that I think in terms
(38:54):
of lack of scouting is the story of Leoni Feebitch,
and she told the story of how she was drafted
by the Sparks and herrits kept getting traded and traded,
and everyone's like, who the hell is Leoni Feebitch? Who
is this player? And it took the Liberty to contact her,
and she said like, she wasn't planning on coming because
none of the teams that had her rights actually took
(39:16):
the initiative to reach out to her. But in comes
Jonathan cole right and just taking that first potential step
and she ends up being a steal for the Liberty
won the championship in that same year. So I think
that's a good point about who is doing the scouting.
Speaker 3 (39:31):
And that means something to those players when you get
that like because you wanted them, and Lailo Lacan, I'm
sorry with the player who's that?
Speaker 1 (39:38):
Nan? Yes? Yeah, And to your point, the Phoenix Mercury
have done a great job this year too, excellent excellent
scouting over there. Yes, because you already know how I
felt about them before the season. I'm like, who the
f is this roster? Like these players and they shove
me right up. So they did a great job with
their scouting, especially finding players, like you said, that may
(40:02):
not be available here stateside that are overseas, and I think,
especially this season, we're seeing more and more overseas players
come over and commit to the W and so that's
going to be an important piece for franchises to think
about moving forward, especially and the biggest free agency that
is happening in twenty six two expansions drafts. I really
(40:22):
like what Ohima did. She came on the show after
their expansion drafts. She talked about how they had some
of the most international players on their team. And you
know some of these international players, I mean, you see
the trend happening in the NBA with more European players
coming over and sometimes playing better than some of the stars.
(40:43):
You see that trend happening here in the league as well.
So it's definitely something to keep an eye on, all right,
last one before we let you get out of here.
There's been some there's been a lot of different reporting
about the Connecticut Sun potential sell and move to Boston.
And so here's what we know. Steve pak Luca, who
(41:06):
is a minority owner of the Boston Celtics, is attempting
to purchase the Connecticut Sun for on or around three
hundred and twenty five million dollars, and he desires to
relocate the team. But still this is a deal that,
according to multiple reports, was presented to the Sun and
(41:27):
also to Kathy Engelbert in July, but was awaiting approval
from the WNBA Board of Governors, And so there was
a lot of conflicting reports. The first initial reports that
the Soul the cell happened, and that is something that
is not accurate. The sale did not happen.
Speaker 3 (41:47):
I think Gary Washbrun's reporting was that the the Sun
agreed to the sale as like in principle, so it's
an offer they accepted, but it was still or it
needed to be approved by the Board of Governors. So
I think the headline was a little misleading, misleading, but
(42:08):
from the actual like reporting in the story, it's just
that the Sun accepted that offer and that's the offer
they would like to proceed with, subject to approval by
the Board of Governors.
Speaker 1 (42:29):
In the last forty eight hours or so, it has
been so so much happening. But a WNBA spokesperson responded
to The Athletic by saying, quote, relocation decisions are made
by the WNBA Board of Governors and not by individual teams.
We know that it has to be a boat by
the Board of Governors, which also includes to MI understanding
(42:53):
some of the NBA on some owners from the NBA
side as well as part of our most recent expansion
process in which three new franchises were awarded to Cleveland, Detroit,
and Philadelphia on June thirtieth, twenty twenty five, nine additional
cities also applied for w NBA teams and remain under
(43:13):
active consideration. No groups from Boston applied for a team
at that time, and those are the city's remain under
consideration based on the extensive work they did as part
of the expansion process and currently have priority over Boston
over Boston. Celtics perspective owner Bill Chisholm has also reached
(43:36):
out to the League office and asked that Boston received
strong consideration for a WA franchise of the at the
appropriate time. Sorry end quote. So what it seems to
be happening is, yes, it seems like the Sun and
Steve they have been discussing the potential seal and the
(43:58):
Son agreed in principle that this is this is what
they want to do, and League is like wait, wait, wait, wait,
wait a minute, like there's steps that has to happen,
and maybe Steve and his group kind of jumped the
gun a little bit when it's all said and done, right,
because it seems like the league would rather get the
(44:19):
expansion fee to move to Boston rather than relocate, to
have a team that's already established relocate. And we know
how much these teams are costing. These expansion teams are costing.
Think the latest one was about two hundred and fifty million,
and when the Valkyries was purchased, it was a ten
million dollar deal over X amount of years. So we
(44:41):
see that the values in terms of the team values,
it's going up and up year over year. Steve definitely
released a statement, and I'm gonna try to read some
of it, not all of it, but this statement from
Steve says, quote, while it was the PAGs group's policy
to decline comment on the transaction until they are completed,
(45:03):
out of respect for the WNBA NBA, we feel compelled
to clarify the status of possible acquisition of the Connecticut Sun.
An investor group led by the PAS Group and supported
by Massachusetts Governor Moore Healey and Rhode Island Governor Daniel
McKee has offered to acquire the Connecticut Son with the
objective of keeping New England's WNBA team in New England.
(45:25):
No transaction has been agreed yet, so even in the
early reporting of gary'spot, he's saying the transaction hasn't even
been agreed yet, So he's kind of like taking a
little backpedal saying that we haven't even agreed to a
transaction yet. As avid basketball fans improven sports team operators,
we admire the Mohigan tribe for their great stewardship of
the Connecticut Sun. Over the past two decades, the Mohegan
(45:48):
Tribe has invested substantial time and resources into the Sun
and has built a strong New England presence for the WNBA.
Our objective should be acquired team is to honor that legacy,
further invest in the team, grow it's to voted fan
base in the region, and build a championship team that
players and fans continue to be proud of. Essential to
our proposals enabling the Sun to play in a larger
(46:10):
capacity arenas and New England, we believe our records set
an offer in deep commitment to growing the WNBA in
the region that is home to the most passionate basketball
fans in the nation will significantly significantly benefit the league,
the team, and all of his fans. Our offer is
subject to obtaining the required league approvals, as in the
(46:30):
case for all such transactions. This approval has not yet
been obtained thus far, and we cannot proceed without it.
We will respect cooperating with and a bye by all
league rules and decisions on these matters. I'm just gonna
end quote right there, but it seems like he sort
of backpedaling after the league came out with their statement
saying like balls like these are the teams and expansion
(46:51):
cities that actually went through the process for expansion. Boston
was not one of those cities, and it's all about
trusting the process going through the pross as you cannot
jump steps. What were your thoughts about about this news? Yeah,
so all right.
Speaker 3 (47:09):
I think at the outset, we need to understand that
there is a difference between expansion and relocation, and these
two processes are being conflated. So honestly, it is the
WNBA statement that makes actually is confusing to me because
they brought up expansion and expansion has nothing to do
with with like, it is not a requirement for you
(47:32):
to submit a bid for expansion if you want to
buy a team and relocate it. In fact, the Connecticut
Sun was a relocated team. They were the Orlando Miracle,
was it right? And they were relocated to Connecticut. There
is no requirement when you purchase a team, if you
were going to try to relocate it, that you have
(47:53):
at some time submitted an expansion bid. That's not a requirement.
So it's kind of a relevant information.
Speaker 1 (48:02):
That it's been the story a little bit, not really
connected with dots.
Speaker 3 (48:06):
Yeah, it's relevant information, and that it lets us know
that the league is, in my opinion, throwing its weight
around a little bit. Like to me, this entire thing
feels semantical. It seems like a bit of a pissing match.
I don't actually think Steve was walking back anything, because
(48:28):
you cannot present something to a board of governors for
approval if the seller and buyer have not reached an
agreement in principle, because there would be nothing to present.
So Gary Washburn's reporting is accurate. They and Generalzzotti basically
confirmed that Steve submitted something to them.
Speaker 1 (48:48):
The Tribe liked his offer and they sent it to Kathy.
Speaker 3 (48:52):
Kathy's role at that point was to present it to
the Board of Governors. What we don't have an answer
to is why Kathy never presented it. But for it
to get to Kathy, that means the Mogigan Tribe and
PAGs that bid the Boston bid, they had reached an
agreement and thought that they had a proposal that they
(49:12):
now wanted to present to the w NBA. You can't
get to the Board of Governors if those two parties
did not have an agreement.
Speaker 1 (49:19):
So there is an agreement.
Speaker 3 (49:21):
Between them in terms of, like, we agree to this
the terms of what you're offering to purchase, and now
let's turn it over to the WNBA. With that also
came an exclusivity window, as reported by Front Office Sports.
Speaker 1 (49:36):
And so.
Speaker 3 (49:38):
That because the from the time that they turned this
over to Kathy reportedly in July until now, since it
never went before the Board of Governors, that exclusivity window
is now over. That's what opens the door for this
group in Heart in Hertford or the Hertford group. I
shouldn't say in Hertford that it's led by Mark Lazriy
(50:01):
is it Lasry if I'm pronouncing that correctly, who used
to be infiliated with the Bucks to put forth a
Hartford bid. Right, there's very loose details about both bids.
So here's what we know. Right, he wants to move
it to an arena in Hertford that can accommodate around
(50:21):
sixteen thousand are the purported numbers. Okay, it's unclear what
this because I don't believe the Boston bid is saying
that the games will be played in TD Garden.
Speaker 1 (50:33):
So they said they kept using New England the entire
region of New England.
Speaker 3 (50:38):
They didn't correct, and so but they will have to
have a home arena, and so I don't know the
capacity of that, but we imagine the capacity is obviously
going to exceed what Mohegan Sun is, which is i'd
be like a nine thousand capacity, right, it's one of
the smaller arenas in the leads. Okay, so based on
(51:02):
what they're suggesting, but we don't have like exact numbers
for that. Also, what the Boston bid, led by Steve
pag Luca has from what we know about the reporting,
is that they he's also going to or he's committed
to an additional one hundred million for facility. So that's
separate from the offer of three hundred and twenty five
(51:25):
million to purchase right for the buck not the bucks bad.
Speaker 1 (51:30):
I'm sorry for the Hartford bid led by Lazry.
Speaker 3 (51:35):
No exact numbers have been given, but it's said to
be comparable.
Speaker 1 (51:41):
I don't know what that means. If you don't give
me exact numbers, I don't know what that is. So
is it in a three hundred million range.
Speaker 3 (51:46):
Maybe, but there's a big difference between three hundred and
three to twenty five.
Speaker 1 (51:49):
I mean there just is right.
Speaker 3 (51:51):
Uh, And then they're no, like they're working out the facility,
So that's not ironed out how that would pay for,
who would fund it, any of that stuff.
Speaker 1 (52:02):
The other thing that may.
Speaker 3 (52:04):
Matter to people or not matter, is that Mark Lazari
is currently embroiled in a lawsuit. He's being sued for
sexual harassment and he also is countersuing the person who
brought these allegations against him, but that is still a pending.
Speaker 1 (52:23):
Not even pending, it is a litigation. It is ongoing.
Speaker 3 (52:25):
Those cases have been filed, and there's great reporting from
Emily Adams out of the Hertford current about this. If
people want to go read on it further and get
more of those details, and then you can of course
look up the legal filings and see what the claims are.
I would personally be concerned as someone who used to
do deal work because my former I'm a lawyer for
(52:45):
anyone who doesn't know, and I used to formally practice
and I worked on deals, mergers and acquisitions, sales, things
like that, and your ongoing litigations are always something that's
a factor. It doesn't mean that a deal can't go through,
and a lawsuit is just that it's a lawsuit. It
doesn't mean that you actually did something and you have
(53:06):
to go through the process and it could be settled.
Speaker 2 (53:08):
But ongoing litigations matter.
Speaker 3 (53:11):
They're always pertinent in a sale, and I would want
something like that resolved before pursuing that, you know, in
my opinion, So again, it just depends on like what matters.
But I think you were onto something where you say
(53:31):
that there is a fee that's involved when you're going
to be in an expansion team. It's a two hundred
and fifty dollars million fee. That's what it seems that
all the others have paid so far. So it seems
like it's probably a set fee. I don't know that
it changes by city, but it's been two hundred and
fifty million that's paid to the league in this situation.
If PAGs was to purchase the Connecticut Son, that money's
(53:54):
going to the tribe. It's not going to the league, right,
and so in that instance, the league is not getting
that money. And so yes, I do think the league
is probably incentivized to want expansion money. But it was
also noted that Boston, despite all of their stating that
(54:16):
Boston hasn't done what all the others did, they still
gave us a note about the current Boston ownership saying.
Speaker 1 (54:23):
You know, keep us in mind for the future.
Speaker 3 (54:26):
And there's also been reporting that they would be considering
Boston for twenty thirty three. That's eight years away. So
if you force the Mohegan tried to accept this Hartford
bid and.
Speaker 1 (54:40):
Then you're going to bring Boston in twenty thirty three,
I don't understand that.
Speaker 3 (54:45):
So, and the League has not responded to like like
some questions where people have reached out for their information,
they haven't responded yet. So a lot of this is
still ongoing and there's a lot at play, but it
does seem clear to me based on everything that's come
from the League that they don't seem to be in
(55:09):
full throated support of this Boston bid for whatever reason,
at least.
Speaker 1 (55:17):
Front facing the statements, that's what it appears, you know.
Speaker 3 (55:20):
So there's a little like us making assumptions because we're
just basing it on the.
Speaker 2 (55:24):
Statements that they've given.
Speaker 3 (55:27):
But at the end of the day, right now, these
seem to be the two bids that are out there,
But it has been made clear that the bid that
the Mohegan Tribe wants to accept that they are more
interested in, is the Boston based bid. That is the
one that the tribe would like to accept and that
they would like the Board of Governors to approve.
Speaker 1 (55:49):
So time will tell, but.
Speaker 3 (55:51):
I'm just gonna say tell you, in my personal opinion,
even if you didn't ask for it, I think the
team should be moved to Boston. It seems like a
no brainer to me, and I understand that there's an
existing fan base, and I feel like if it is
truly New England's team, the part of New England that
it's based in shouldn't be an issue and The biggest
(56:14):
city in the New England area is Boston, so unfortunately
that is always going to provide the most opportunity then
a smaller city, even if you move it to Hartford.
There have been two games played in Boston at TD Garden.
They were sold out players. When dj A Carrington was
(56:34):
on the team, she tweeted when it was announced that
Jason Tatum was putting together a bid, she tweeted, why
not do something for Boston. Sanaia Rivers is on record
talking about the team relocating to Boston. This was before
this Boston bid came out. So you also have players
expressing a desire to go there for travel purposes, and
(56:55):
then out of Boston is easier.
Speaker 1 (56:57):
So there's just a lot of factors.
Speaker 3 (56:59):
I understand that you're taking a team out of Connecticut
and the fans who have been local and supportive, and
you know, making them have to drive two hours further
would probably inhimit. Some of that. I do understand that,
and I think there's workarounds around that, like playing some
games during the year in Connecticut and different things. Right, So,
I think you can put together something that addresses all
(57:19):
of that. But I think what provides the most opportunity
for the league in terms of generating revenue for the
individual team and the players is Boston. So I am
an advocate and supporter of the team moving to Boston.
Speaker 1 (57:32):
I'm a huge advocate of a team moving to Boston too,
just for selfish travel reasons. It's easier for me to
get to Boston from New York City on a forty
five minuted flight than to get to the Mohican Sun.
But to your point, I think that from Steve statement,
it kept saying New England, New England and bringing up
(57:53):
the entire region. So it would be interesting if they
take the same approach as the Canada Toronto Tempo team,
where it's just like this is Canada's team and playing,
you know, several games around Canada versus one like you
have your main base place, but also just serving the
entire region. So we'll see. We'll keep our eyes on
(58:14):
this story of expansion. We know that the Connecticut Son
early on when the first news first broke, that they
were looking to sell and we're like, oh, no, you
want to keep the team in Connecticut. But you know,
it seems as this story develops that might not be
the case. And so yeah, we'll keep our eyes on this. Natalie,
thank you for joining us this week on In Case
(58:35):
You Missed It. It's always good to talk hoops in
headlines with you. Thank you. That's gonna do it for
this week's episode of In Case You Missed It. Don't
forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast, and we'll
be back next time. In Case You Missed It with
Christina Williams is an iHeart women's sports production in partnership
(58:59):
with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us
on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get
your podcasts
Host
Khristina Williams
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