Las Vegas Aces trade Dearica Hamby to Sparks in blockbuster move, clear cap space for potential superstar signing
The Las Vegas Aces shook the WNBA world today, announcing the trade of two-time all-star Dearica Hamby and a first-round pick to the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for the rights to Amanda Zahui B. and a second-round pick. Hamby, an eight-season veteran with the Aces, won sixth woman of the year twice and played a key role in turning Las Vegas into one of the league’s elite franchises.
The move comes less than a year after Hamby signed an extension that would have kept her with the Aces through 2024. According to Washington Post reporter Kareem Copeland, the split stemmed from “off-the-court issues” that ultimately made parting ways unavoidable. Hamby herself hinted at these challenges in a candid Jan. 15 tweet:
“Imagine expressing your fears as a woman and being pregnant in this profession/world…. Then to be reassured that you were supported.. and your back was ‘had’…. only to then be used against you. Lmao.”
Beyond the roster shakeup, the trade gives the Aces much-needed financial flexibility. Before the transaction, the team had $138,804 in cap space, and after it, they opened up $169,000—enough to pursue a max free agent if they choose. Candace Parker, who is reportedly weighing options between Chicago and Los Angeles, could be a major target if the Aces decide to go all-in this offseason.
From a tactical standpoint, the Aces’ roster remains strong. Kiah Stokes, who stepped up as a starter late last season, could return to provide depth, while Amanda Zahui B.’s versatility in the frontcourt offers another potential weapon for Las Vegas’ championship rotation. The four-person group of A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, and Kelsey Plum dominated lineups in 2022, and Zahui B. could slot into this elite rotation seamlessly.
For the Sparks, the trade represents a major boost to their bench and future prospects. Hamby is one of the WNBA’s most reliable role players, and Los Angeles also recoups valuable draft capital. After trading its 2023 first-round pick for Chennedy Carter last season, the Sparks have now regained two first-round picks this offseason. Earlier this week, they also swapped Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Jasmine Walker, and the rights to Kianna Smith to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for Jasmine Thomas and a first-round pick.
Sparks head coach Curt Miller expressed his enthusiasm on Twitter, welcoming Hamby to Los Angeles:
“Excited to welcome @dearicamarie to our Sparks family. Great player .. better teammate. 🌴”
This high-profile trade marks a major shift for both franchises as the WNBA heads into a pivotal offseason, with cap space, draft picks, and player talent all in play for teams looking to contend in 2025.
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