WNBA Faces Volatile Trade Market Ahead of Deadline

With the WNBA trade deadline set for August 7, the league is experiencing increased trade activity as the current collective bargaining agreement nears expiration and most players approach free agency. Notable recent trades include the Minnesota Lynx acquiring DiJonai Carrington from the Dallas Wings and NaLyssa Smith joining the Las Vegas Aces, reflecting a split between contenders seeking immediate reinforcements and rebuilding teams accumulating future assets. The looming uncertainty around expiring contracts, forthcoming CBA negotiations, and expansion draft rules is making some general managers cautious. The hard salary cap and fluctuating draft asset values further complicate trade decisions. Teams like the Lynx and New York Liberty have already made significant moves, while the Dallas Wings are expected to focus on long-term planning. Experts remain divided on whether this deadline will produce dramatic activity or remain relatively subdued.