WNBA: Liberty Acquire Aces' Young Star A'ja Wilson
Top Pick Headed to the Big Apple
The New York Liberty have acquired 2022 No. 1 overall pick A'ja Wilson from the Las Vegas Aces in a blockbuster trade, the teams announced Tuesday.
Wilson, a 6-foot-4 center from South Carolina, was the WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2022 after averaging 19.4 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game.
Terms of the Trade
- Liberty receive: A'ja Wilson
- Aces receive: Natasha Howard, Han Xu, and the Liberty's 2024 first-round pick
Analysis
The Liberty have been looking for a star player to build around, and they believe they have found one in Wilson. She is a versatile player who can score, rebound, and defend at a high level.
The Aces, on the other hand, are getting a solid return in Howard and Xu. Howard is a two-time WNBA All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year, while Xu is a young, promising center from China.
This trade is a win-win for both teams. The Liberty get the star they have been looking for, while the Aces get a good return for a player they were willing to part with.
WNBA Draft History
The WNBA Draft is an annual event where teams select the top college players to join their rosters. The draft is held in April, and the first round is televised on ESPN.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft was A'ja Wilson from South Carolina. Wilson was the consensus National Player of the Year in her senior season, and she led the Gamecocks to the NCAA Championship.
Other notable players who have been drafted No. 1 overall include Candace Parker (2008), Maya Moore (2011), and Breanna Stewart (2016).
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