Ranking the 6 Worst Trades in WNBA History: Becky Hammon, Angel Reese, and More

The Sporting News takes a hard look at the most lopsided deals in WNBA history, ranking the six trades that left fans and franchises scratching their heads. From Becky Hammon’s controversial move to Angel Reese’s recent blockbuster, these transactions reshaped teams and careers in ways few could have predicted. The list highlights how a single trade can alter a franchise’s trajectory, for better or worse, and underscores the high-stakes nature of roster building in a league where talent is concentrated and chemistry is paramount. Among the notable entries is Becky Hammon’s 2007 trade from the New York Liberty to the San Antonio Silver Stars, a deal that sent a future Hall of Famer away for a package that never matched her production. Hammon went on to become one of the league’s most iconic guards, while New York struggled to find a replacement. The ranking also examines recent moves, including the Chicago Sky’s acquisition of Angel Reese, which has sparked debate about whether the assets given up will haunt the franchise in the long run. Each trade on the list is evaluated based on the immediate impact, long-term consequences, and the value of the players and picks involved. The Sporting News provides context for why these deals went wrong, from front-office misjudgments to unexpected player development. The piece serves as a cautionary tale for WNBA general managers navigating the complexities of trades in a league with a hard salary cap and limited roster spots. For fans, the ranking offers a mix of nostalgia and frustration, revisiting moments that defined eras for certain teams. It also raises questions about how future trades will be judged in an era of increased parity and player empowerment. As the WNBA continues to grow, the margin for error in trades becomes even slimmer, making these historical blunders all the more instructive.