Sky trade Gabby Williams to Sparks for Watts, Fiebich originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The Sky have traded fourth-year forward Gabby Williams to the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for Stephanie Watts and the rights to German national player Leonie Fiebich, the team announced Sunday.
Williams was placed on the full-season suspended list last week by the Sky, who plan to pare their roster down to 11 players by May 13. According to a team release, Williams "will remain on the suspended list for the 2021 season as she honors her French National Team commitments," even after the trade.
Williams appeared to express disagreement with the Sky's decision with multiple social media posts over the past few days. Sky general manager and head coach James Wade initially declined to comment on the move, but eventually relayed the following:
“We are pleased to announce that we have traded Gabby for Stephanie Watts and the rights to Leonie Fiebich," Wade said in a statement after the trade. “We thank Gabby for all that she has done in a Sky uniform and we wish her well going forward. We are excited about the possibilities that come with having Stephanie with us and what she will bring to our team. Her activity and skill set have already been displayed with LA early on.”
Watts, the tenth overall pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft, led North Carolina in assists, steals and blocks last season, starting 17 games. Fiebich was the Sparks' No. 22 overall selection in the 2020 draft.
“Leonie is a young German prospect that we feel has a long career ahead of her. She’s a 6-foot-4 guard with limitless potential,” Wade said.
The Sky selected Williams fourth overall in the 2018 draft. She averaged 6.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.2 steals across 89 games (36 starts) with the team.
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