Drama in the Mercury Camp

The opinion within the WNBA is that the Phoenix Mercury won’t be taking part in a blockbuster trade, and will hold on to guard Skylar Diggins-Smith, league sources revealed. Moreover, the WNBA trade deadline is today at 8 p.m. ET and the Los Angeles Sparks made an inquiry about the six-time All-Star, but sources claim that negotiations never moved forward.

Following the release of a video showing Diggins-Smith and colleague Diana Taurasi addressing one another combatively during a timeout huddle, it seemed like the Diggins-Smith, Mercury relationship would end soon.

There was a lot of interest in the nine-year veteran, but the Mercury side didn’t think they could get as much in return. They also think they have the talent to go up the standings and face a friendlier opponent in the first round.

According to reports, the two veterans’ relationship is still rough, but there is a sense within the organization that they can put their differences aside for the benefit of the team. After the 2022 season, Diggins-contract Smith’s would have just the one year left. Phoenix currently holds the eighth and final playoff spot with a record of 11-15.

Teams keeping an eye on Chennedy Carter’s availability

Chennedy Carter, a third-year guard for the Los Angeles Sparks, is being watched by executives from other teams, according to sources. However, due to a knee injury, Carter, the fourth overall choice in the 2020 WNBA draft, has missed the last five games. However, sources claimed that the Sparks had no plans to act at the deadline. Carter averages 7.8 points and two assists in 14.9 minutes.

The Rookie Rebekah Gardner

Rebekah Gardner, a guard who is 31 years old and a rookie for the Chicago Sky, was a gem discovered by general manager and head coach James Wade. Her professional career had solely included stints abroad. Gardner led all scorers on Thursday night’s 80-68 Sky victory over the Sparks with 18 points off the bench on 8-for-11 shooting, 10 rebounds, and four assists in 25 minutes.

Garner showed off her athleticism to finish in traffic around larger people while scorching defenders with driving spin techniques. She didn’t make a WNBA team in previous seasons, but now, playing as a super reserve for a club with the best record in the league (18-6) she is averaging 9.1 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.

Nneka Ogwumike with a great milestone

Nneka Ogwumike, a forward for the Los Angeles Sparks, joined Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker as the only women in franchise history to achieve 5,000 points on Thursday.