​With the WNBA season now at its midpoint, the big question circulating around the league is who might land with a new team by the trade deadline. The trade landscape in the W isn’t simple, largely due to cap space constraints, but deals do still happen, and the Aug. 2 deadline looms as a potential catalyst for several high-profile moves. We’ve identified a slate of 10 players who could find themselves changing addresses by early August, including a mix of splashy free agents and sturdy veterans who could bolster contenders off the bench.
Among the most intriguing possibilities is Diggins in Chicago. Her recent benching and the knee injury that followed raise questions about her long-term fit with the Sky. Moving a marquee free agent is always delicate, but if Chicago can pull off a blockbuster before the deadline, it stands to reason they’d explore it. Any team in need of a starting guard and with sufficient cap space to absorb her sizable contract could become a legitimate playoff and postseason contender with Diggins, whose deal runs through 2027. Of all the big names on this list, Diggins is the one to watch as the deadline approaches.
For the other top names, the landscape is equally compelling. Smith, another major free agent who has yet to settle into a permanent groove with her team, presents a clear case for a trade. After signing a major deal and starting for the Minnesota Lynx, she has taken on a bench role with the Wings and isn’t seeing the minutes expected. A former Defensive Player of the Year, she matters more as a starter than as a reserve, making a parting at or before the deadline—potentially even in 2027—a plausible outcome if Dallas can find a fit that justifies her hefty contract.
Laney-Hamilton represents another obvious target. Her reduced role with the Liberty and ongoing trade chatter suggest she could be donning a new uniform by August. A key contributor for the Liberty’s 2024 title run, she remains a high-quality wing option with versatile scoring ability that could slot in neatly for teams seeking depth on the perimeter.
Rivers’ situation also demands attention. An ankle injury has slowed her pace in recent weeks, and her scoring has dipped below double digits since June 10, with minutes trending downward as the season progresses. Ahead of the move to Houston’s new Comets era, a swap that provides draft capital could be a prudent strategic maneuver for Connecticut. The belief here is that Rivers still has untapped upside, making her a valuable asset in potential trades.
Other clubs that could be eyeing these kinds of moves include the Mystics, Storm, Mercury, and Sparks, each with cap space and roster flexibility to consider adding a high-impact guard or wing to sharpen their rotation as they chase a title. The trade market in the WNBA remains a delicate balance of timing, fit, and salary cap realities, but if a blockbuster deal does come together by Aug. 2, it wouldn’t be surprising to see several marquee names shifting venues in the pursuit of a championship run.