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The Lynx have acquired center Sylvia Fowles from the Chicago Sky in a three team trade that includes the Atlanta Dream. The Lynx will send Damiris Dantas, Reshanda Grey, and a 2nd round pick to the Dream, while Atlanta sends Erika de Sousa to Chicago and the disgruntled Fowles comes to Minnesota.
Fowles spent seven seasons with the Sky, but the relationship apparently soured in recent years, and she requested a trade prior to the 2015 season. She hasn't appeared for the Sky so far this year, and they have finally accommodated her request by trading her to the Lynx, a rumored destination for months.
This is quite a coup for the league leading Lynx, as Fowles is a two-time winner of the Defensive Player of the Year award, has been named to the All-WNBA first or second team four times in her career, has averaged a double-double in each of the last four seasons, and currently sports the highest FG% in WNBA history.
The 6'6" Fowles will be a force in the middle for the loaded Lynx, who now sport an incredible array of talent both inside and on the perimeter. Hopefully she is able to shake off whatever rust exists and get into the flow quickly. In particular, Fowles gives the Lynx someone who can match up with Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury who is emerging as the dominant interior force in the league.
The Lynx have given up some of their depth, with the promising Damiris Dantas on her way to Atlanta along with rookie Reshanda Grey, who wasn't seeing much playing time. Still, with Rebekkah Brunson and Fowles, in addition to the emerging Dev Peters and Asjha Jones, they should be in good shape up front. The Lynx also send their 2016 first round pick to the Dream while getting Chicago's 2nd rounder.
The Lynx have shown once again that they will go for it at every opportunity, and kudos must be given to the front office for their maneuverings this season.
Their draft night work netted them Anna Cruz and Asjha Jones, as well as the pick that became Grey, a prospect widely seen as a top 10 player in the draft. They were able to trade an injured Monica Wright for Renee Montgomery and a 2016 second round pick from Seattle, giving them an extra pick that gave them some flexibility to make today's blockbuster while retaining draft assets.
Fowles, who has yet to turn 30, not only will hopefully propel them this season, but also helps keep their championship window open in the future. She's a dominant two-way player that not only protects the rim but gives the Lynx a post-up scoring option they have lacked.