WNBA 2025 Trade Deadline Buzz: 5 Players Who Could Shake Up the League
The WNBA's 2025 trade deadline is coming in hot this Thursday, and it's about to be one of those turning-point moments for several franchises. It’s that final stretch where teams with big playoff dreams scramble to make roster moves that could give them the edge they need — or regret for seasons to come.
And let’s be real — with the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) expiring soon and a tidal wave of veterans potentially hitting free agency this winter, this year’s deadline is draped in even more intrigue. That uncertainty could slow things down… or it could explode into pure chaos.
Just days before the deadline, we got a wild one — Brittney Sykes heading to the Seattle Storm. Yep, that trade caught a lot of folks off guard and immediately turned on the radar for fans and analysts alike: Who’s next?
Here’s a look at five players who could be on the move — and who could become X-factors in this season’s playoff race.
🔥 1. Ariel Atkins – Guard, Chicago Sky
If there’s one player who could spark a full-on bidding war, it’s Ariel Atkins. She’s the kind of talent that any contender would love to plug into their backcourt — a consistent, high-IQ guard who doesn’t shy away from clutch moments.
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Why she’s a hot commodity: A true two-way player who brings serious defensive grit and reliable scoring.
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Contract situation: She’ll be a free agent this winter, making her a possible rental… but one worth paying for.
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What she could fetch: At least a first-rounder. Possibly more if teams get desperate.
If Chicago decides it’s time to rebuild, moving Atkins could bring in valuable assets while allowing her to chase another title.
🏀 2. Marina Mabrey – Guard, Connecticut Sun
Here’s the thing with Marina Mabrey: She might not be on every fan’s radar, but execs around the league know exactly what she brings to the table — range, confidence, and killer instinct from deep.
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Why contenders love her: Instant offense off the bench or a dynamic starting guard — take your pick.
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Sun's struggles: Connecticut’s season hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. If they pivot to future planning, Mabrey becomes their most logical trade piece.
She’s not just a shooter; she’s a momentum shifter. Don’t be shocked if a playoff-bound team pulls the trigger here to add some offensive punch.
🧨 3. Rachel Banham – Guard, Chicago Sky
Banham is having one of those under-the-radar seasons that make GMs drool. She’s lighting it up from beyond the arc, and with a very reasonable salary, she could be the ultimate "get" for a team tight on cap space but desperate for spacing and offense.
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Steal of the deadline?: Possibly. Her numbers from downtown are among the league’s best.
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Low risk, high reward: At her current salary, she’s a no-brainer for a playoff team with scoring gaps.
Chicago could absolutely move her, especially if they’re leaning into a roster refresh. Keep your eyes peeled — she might be the sleeper move that ends up mattering most.
💪 4. Rebecca Allen – Guard/Forward, Chicago Sky
Another Sky player? Yeah. And it makes sense. Rebecca Allen is that seasoned vet who doesn’t need the spotlight to shine. She does the dirty work, plays tough defense, hits open shots, and brings playoff experience.
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What she offers: Leadership, versatility, and a cool-headed presence in tight games.
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Ideal fit: Off the bench on a team like Vegas, New York, or even back to Connecticut — wherever the locker room could use a calming, veteran influence.
If the Sky go full seller mode, Allen’s out the door — and into a rotation that could really use her poise.
🏗️ 5. Stefanie Dolson – Center, Washington Mystics
Let’s not forget the bigs — Dolson is still one of the most underrated post players in the game when it comes to toughness and screen-setting. She doesn’t need a bunch of plays run for her to make an impact. She just gets it done.
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What makes her valuable: Veteran savvy, strong interior presence, and the kind of glue-player energy contenders need down the stretch.
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Perfect role: Coming off the bench to anchor the second unit, especially against physical playoff teams.
With the Mystics likely heading toward a reset, Dolson could easily be moved for a pick or young talent. Don’t be shocked if she lands with a top-4 seed.
💥 Why This Deadline Feels Different
This isn’t just your average midseason checkpoint. The stakes this year feel extra intense for a few reasons:
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Expiring CBA: Most veterans are going to hit the market this winter. That means teams may hesitate to give up assets for short-term rentals — or, conversely, may risk it all for one deep playoff push.
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Wide-open title race: With no dominant superteam, the title is truly up for grabs. One smart move could be the difference between a trophy and a first-round exit.
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Surprise trades setting the tone: The Brittney Sykes-to-Seattle move proves that big names can and will move — even when no one’s expecting it.
📌 Final Thoughts: Buyer or Seller — Now’s the Time
Every team has to ask themselves one key question: Are we going for it, or are we building for the future?
For contenders, a move now could change everything. For teams like Chicago and Washington, this could be the moment to cash in on veteran talent and stack future assets.
And fans? Well, buckle up. The next 48 hours are about to get spicy.
Quick Recap: Players to Watch Before the Deadline
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🔥 Ariel Atkins (Sky) – Big-time value for contenders.
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💣 Marina Mabrey (Sun) – Instant offense, playoff-ready.
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🎯 Rachel Banham (Sky) – Budget scorer with elite shooting.
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🧠 Rebecca Allen (Sky) – Veteran depth and leadership.
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🧱 Stefanie Dolson (Mystics) – Interior presence and toughness.
Will we see a blockbuster? Will contenders push their chips all in?
We’re about to find out.
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