In a historic move that sent shockwaves through the basketball world, the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league orchestrated a monumental three-way trade involving some of the WNBA’s brightest stars. The deal, which marked the first ever trade in the fledgling league’s history, saw Natasha Cloud, Courtney Williams, Jackie Young, and Tiffany Hayes switch teams in a dizzying flurry of activity.
The Trade Heard ‘Round the World
The groundbreaking trade unfolded as follows:
- Natasha Cloud was sent from the Laces BC to the Lunar Owls
- Cloud was then immediately dealt to Phantom BC, along with the final wild-card slot
- The Lunar Owls received Courtney Williams in the transaction
- Laces BC acquired Jackie Young and Tiffany Hayes to complete the deal
The magnitude of this trade cannot be overstated, as it involved four of the most talented and recognizable players in the WNBA. Cloud, a dynamic point guard known for her leadership and tenacity, headlines the group of traded players. Her move to Phantom BC is expected to significantly bolster their backcourt and provide veteran savvy to the upstart franchise.
A New Era Dawns
The Unrivaled 3-on-3 league, set to tip off on January 17th in Miami, has already generated substantial buzz with its innovative format and star-studded rosters. The six-team league boasts a total salary pool exceeding $8 million for its 36 players, who will also receive equity stakes in the groundbreaking venture.
We’re thrilled to be part of this historic moment for the Unrivaled league and women’s basketball as a whole. The level of talent and excitement surrounding this venture is truly unparalleled.
-Natasha Cloud on the trade
Balancing Act
The initial team drafts, conducted last month, aimed to distribute talent as evenly as possible across the league. However, the monumental three-way trade significantly shakes up the balance of power and sets the stage for an intensely competitive inaugural season.
In addition to the seismic trade, the Unrivaled league made waves by adding Katie Lou Samuelson to its player pool, leaving just one roster spot remaining. The league also inked a multi-year deal with Cameron Brink, the #2 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Although Brink will sit out the upcoming season as she recovers from an ACL injury, her signing underscores the Unrivaled league’s commitment to securing top-tier talent.
The Future is Unrivaled
As the basketball world eagerly awaits the Unrivaled league’s inauguration, one thing is abundantly clear: this is just the beginning of something truly special. With a mix of established WNBA superstars, up-and-coming talents, and a revolutionary 3-on-3 format, the Unrivaled league is poised to take the sports world by storm.
The league’s ability to pull off such a blockbuster trade before even playing a single game is a testament to the vision, ambition, and sheer star power that define this groundbreaking endeavor. As the countdown to tip-off continues, basketball fans worldwide are waiting with bated breath to witness history in the making.
One question lingers: Who will be the last player to claim that final wild-card slot? With talents like Caitlin Clark expressing interest in the league’s future, the possibilities are tantalizing. One thing’s for sure – the Unrivaled league’s journey is just beginning, and the basketball world will never be the same.
