The Atlanta Dream acquired the Los Angeles Sparks veteran Erica Wheeler along with a 2023 first-round pick and a 2022 second-round pick.
SVTV NETWORK SPORTS 🏀 – It’s the smile for us 🤩
— SVTV Network (@SVTVNetwork) February 1, 2022
Congratulations to @eweezy_3 Erica Wheeler on earning MVP honors as her team was crowned the Polish Cup Champions 2022 🏀 🏆 #svtvnetworksports #svtvnetwork #subscribe #app #thehighlightreel #wnba #champions #womensbasketball pic.twitter.com/KLDm5KI7TE
In return, the Sparks received Chennedy Carter and the rights to Li Yueru. The Dream believes that Wheeler is a crucial piece to their rebuilding phase.
The aftermath of this trade will benefit both teams, but this trade does provide question marks for Atlanta.
In 2020 the Dream drafted Carter with the fourth overall pick. Carter is a combo guard who can score in spurts and will her team to victory.
However, Atlanta believed that it was time to move on, which could cause confusion for some around the WNBA.
Even though this trade could benefit both teams, let’s review the Dreams’ grade on this free-agency trade.
Too Early to Say Goodbye
During the 2020 WNBA season, Carter provided a jolt of energy for the Dream on the offensive side of the ball.
The Texas A&M product finished her rookie season averaging 17.4 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game while shooting 37.5 percent from three-point range. She finished third in scoring for the team behind veterans Tiffany Hayes (14.7) and Williams (16.5).
Thank you, @ChennedyCarter 🙏 pic.twitter.com/bu2G51RjnB
— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) February 5, 2022
Clearly, her second season in the WNBA was met with some turbulence. During her sophomore year in the league, she was suspended by the Dream for conduct.
Reporters noted that Carter wanted to fight former teammate Courtney Williams (who did not want to return the fight).
Obviously, no one wants anyone to be in the position to get hurt. Nevertheless, this trade causes question considering the fact that Williams is no longer with the team (prior to the trade).
Still Rebuilding
Wheeler is a phenomenal talent, but she should be on a contending team instead of a rebuilding team. Carter was drafted in 2020 and is still adjusting to life after the collegiate experience.
The 2023 draft pick, along with the second round 2022 pick does help with the rebuild process. Yet, it’s clear that they wanted to cut ties with Carter.
Needless to say, this trade could hurt Atlanta in the near future. Management should have tried to work it out with Carter. She could have been a prominent piece in the ongoing rebuilding process in the ATL.
Wheeler will help the Dream continue to move upward, but she is currently in her prime. Atlanta should have held on to Carter due to the departure of Williams. Keeping Wheeler will be counterproductive and place this franchise further back in the rebuild (in the future).
Atlanta Dream Trade Grade
Although this trade could benefit both sides, it will hurt the Dream in the long run. Regardless of the 2021 season aftermath, Carter is a generational talent.
We can’t wait to see Erica Wheeler back in the 🅰️ this summer. #DoItForTheDream @EWeezy_For3eezy pic.twitter.com/d0vP7OJzkj
— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) February 5, 2022
Carter is a franchise player and she is only 23. Atlanta could live to regret this trade down the road. However, the disconnect between the two parties could have been an easy fix.
Final Grade:
B-
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