Fansided

Los Angeles Sparks land WNBA champion Dearica Hamby in trade

ByZackery Rogers|
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 19: Dearica Hamby #5 of the Las Vegas Aces warms up before a game against the Atlanta Dream at Michelob ULTRA Arena on July 19, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 19: Dearica Hamby #5 of the Las Vegas Aces warms up before a game against the Atlanta Dream at Michelob ULTRA Arena on July 19, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Dearica Hamby is headed to the Los Angeles Sparks after being traded by the Aces. Free agency has begun and there could be more moves in store.

A trade announced today will send Dearica Hamby and the Aces’ 2024 first-round pick to Los Angeles. Las Vegas will receive the rights to Amanda Zahui B. and the Sparks’ 2024 second-round pick.

This trade occurred almost 10 hours after free agency opened at midnight on Jan. 21.

It’s already been a busy offseason for L.A. On January 15, the Sparks acquired Jasmine Thomas from the Connecticut Sun. She spent eight seasons with Connecticut and Curt Miller coached her for seven seasons. Miller took on the head coaching job with Los Angeles after the 2022 season.

Hamby is a WNBA champion (2022), a two-time Sixth Woman of the year (2019, 2020), and a two-time All-Star.

The eight-year veteran had played her entire career with the San Antonio Stars/Las Vegas Aces. Last season she averaged 9.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists, right in line with her career averages.

Dearica Hamby and the equalizer effect

The Wake Forest product provided an anchor off the bench for the Aces for multiple seasons. However, during the 2022 season, head coach Becky Hammon started her 32 games. DH’s ability to impact the game without the basketball always elevated Las Vegas.

Los Angeles received a player that can create an impact at both ends of the floor and can handle the ball. She does all of the tangible things to win in late-game situations.

Hamby also brings another veteran presence to this roster who has struggled to come together and function under the leadership of Derek Fisher the past few seasons.

New look Los Angeles Sparks

Miller will be able to utilize Hamby in multiple ways whether she starts or comes off the bench. The addition of Hamby and Thomas will be huge for the Sparks who are looking to contend and not survive. The franchise has missed the postseason for the last two seasons.

Currently, Los Angeles has seven free agents, but the franchise needs to focus on re-signing Nneka Ogwumike, Kristi Toliver, and Chiney Ogwumike. With free agency in the infant stages, the team only has Jasmine Thomas, Katie Lou Samuelson, Chennedy Carter, Rae Burrell, and Hamby under contract.

Free agency is open and players can begin to officially sign contracts on Feb. 1, so there could be more moves on the horizon for the Sparks.

Home/WNBA