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As the WNBA trade deadline hits the final stretch, some teams are still scrambling to make their last-minute moves and lock in the lineup they're going to be rolling with for the rest of the 2025 season. Some franchises are just focusing on selling as they look forward to rebuilding for 2026, while others are looking for the perfect piece to complete their title-run aspirations for this year. With injuries and roster chemistry issues creating challenges, the Chicago Sky may be in the best position to get value out of moving a player on their squad.
The Sky's perimeter shooting guard Rachel Banham seems to be the most valuable asset the team has to deal away, according to Bleacher Report. Banham is portrayed as a good fit for multiple clubs, including the Seattle Storm, Atlanta Dream, and Phoenix Mercury.
Banham's skill set would create spacing in a Storm offense that can stagnate in half-court and clutch moments, giving way for stars like Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins, and Gabby Williams to get more open shots or drive to the basket. Even with the trade deal to bring in Brittney Sykes from the Washington Mystics, Seattle would still need the depth Banham brings to balance out the team's inconsistencies.
Her career 37% 3-point shooting ability would also transform the look of the Mercury immediately, who only rely on Kahleah Copper and Monique Akoa Makani for shots from beyond the arc. Phoenix's roster has been top-heavy all year, and Banham would add consistency to its bench.
Banham would also fit right in with the Dream, who have gone with a “threes first” approach under new head coach Karl Smesko and are shooting from beyond the arc at one of the highest rates in the WNBA with over 28 3-pointers taken per game. Placing her alongside the likes of Allisha Gray, who's shooting a career-high 40.8% from three, would boost Atlanta's efficiency and only make it harder for other teams to catch up in the playoff race.
The WNBA's parity this season has added some extra intrigue to the 2025 trade deadline. Front offices are either trying to make changes to their rosters without disrupting any existing chemistry, or they're plotting ahead to see which potential moves will benefit them in the long run. With the pressure building, what the Sky are considering will soon become clear.
