Connecticut Sun Faces Roster Overhaul Amid Trade Requests

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — The Connecticut Sun are navigating a tumultuous offseason following significant roster changes and trade requests, including one from guard Marina Mabrey, who has expressed a desire to leave the team.

Mabrey, acquired from the Chicago Sky last year, averaged 14.4 points and 4.1 assists during the 2024 season, primarily as a sixth man. The Sun, who reached the WNBA semifinals, are now dealing with a roster overhaul, losing all five of their starters from the last playoff game.

Her agent, Marcus Crenshaw, criticized the Sun’s decision to deny her trade request. He stated, “In this current age of women’s empowerment and support of the players, the CT Sun threatening to force Marina Mabrey to play for them after her trade request is mind-boggling.” Crenshaw emphasized the counterproductive nature of retaining a player unwilling to be part of the organization, especially after losing other key players.

Sun President Jennifer Rizzotti explained that the decision to retain Mabrey was based on the investment the organization made in acquiring her, including a 2025 first-round pick and a 2026 pick swap. “It wasn’t in our best interest to move her because of the value that we gave up to get her,” Rizzotti said. She envisions Mabrey as a crucial component of the team’s future plans, emphasizing her versatility and offensive capabilities.

Despite these assurances, the Sun have faced significant turnover this offseason. Coach Stephanie White departed, and several free agents, including All-Stars, signed with other teams. Rizzotti reflected on the situation, noting, “I think there’s probably a lot of professional athletes that are on teams that they don’t necessarily prefer to be on.”

Connecting it all is a common thread: the Sun’s challenge of managing player satisfaction while building a competitive team. Rizzotti highlights this complexity, stating, “It might also be seen as counterproductive for us to give in to every single trade request.”

Abbey Hsu, a standout from Columbia and the first player from Colombia selected in the WNBA Draft, has been signed after her rights were retained during the previous season. Hsu’s statistics in her senior year were impressive, leading the Ivy League in scoring with 20.4 points per game and showing substantial potential.

As training camps near, the Sun have nearly completed their roster with Hsu and several other new players. They are allowed to bring up to 18 players to training camp, with cuts required to finalize a roster of 11 or 12 by the regular season start.

General Manager Morgan Tuck explained the balance between youth and experience as the team prepares for the new season. “We’re trying to stay competitive while also building for the future,” she stated. The organization aims to reduce turnover and cultivate talent as they adapt to a rapidly changing player landscape.

While the factors behind Mabrey’s trade request remain unclear, the Sun are committed to addressing the needs of their team and the aspirations of their players as they transition into a new era.