The Chicago Sky are trading 2021 Finals MVP Kahleah Cooper to the Phoenix Mercury, according to WNBA Insider Khristina Williams.
In exchange, the Sky will receive four draft picks, notably including the No. 3 pick in the upcoming 2024 WNBA Draft, two second-round picks in the 2025 WNBA Draft, and the Mercury's first-round pick in 2026. Additionally, the Sky will acquire forwards Michaela Onyenwere and Briana Turner, sources informed the Chicago Sun-Times.
The news comes as a surprise following Cooper's signing of a two-year deal last summer to remain in Chicago until 2025.
Cooper issued a statement expressing her excitement about joining Phoenix.
"Phoenix ahhhhhh I'm ready and #ALLIN! To my new teammates and coaches: you're getting all of me. My hunger, my desire, my competitive spirit. Every. Damn. Possession. X-Factor, I can't wait to be on your side and bring another championship back to The Valley. Let's get it."
Khaleah Cooper's Time in Chi-Town
Cooper, the last remaining member of the Chicago Sky's championship team from 2021, has spent seven seasons in Chicago, averaging 11 points, to go with 3.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.
During her last three seasons with the Sky, Cooper blossomed into an All-Star.
Last season, she averaged 18.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and two assists per game. She particularly shined in the Sky's 2021 WNBA Finals run, posting 17.7 points and 5.9 rebounds, earning her the Finals MVP title.
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Chicago Sky: Challenges in Chicago
The Chicago Sky have undergone several significant changes over the past few seasons, with Cooper being the latest major departure.
Coach/General Manager James Wade left in the middle of the season to take an assistant coaching position with the Toronto Raptors.
Despite the coaching change, the Sky still made the playoffs, but they decided to replace interim head coach Emre Vatansever with Teresa Weatherspoon.
Kahleah Cooper: A New Era with the Phoenix Mercury
The Mercury have also been active following their disappointing 9-31 record last season.
They signed Natasha Cloud this offseason to play alongside versatile wing Rebecca Allen in a sign-and-trade with the Connecticut Sun, bolstering their roster alongside veterans Diana Taurasi and Brittany Griner.
The addition of Kahleah Cooper, along with Cloud, definitely makes the Mercury a formidable contender this summer against teams like the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty.
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