The Connecticut Sun has decided against trading guard Marina Mabrey, despite her earlier request for a trade this month. In a recent phone interview, the team’s president, Jennifer Rizzotti, stated that retaining Mabrey aligns with the franchise’s best interests, emphasizing her anticipated role in both the current and future dynamics of the team.
“Marina is someone we want on our roster,” Rizzotti remarked. “The decision not to trade her is rooted in our desire for her to play with us. She is a fierce competitor, and we value her personality. Keeping her around makes sense as she is a significant asset for us moving forward.”
Mabrey joined the Connecticut Sun the previous summer after requesting a trade from the Chicago Sky shortly before the All-Star weekend. During her time with the Sun, she averaged 14.9 points and 3.4 assists across 16 games, primarily coming off the bench. To acquire Mabrey, Connecticut traded Rachel Banham and Moriah Jefferson, alongside a first-round draft pick for the current season and a swap for the following year.
“We aimed to keep her for longer than just half a season, which was a priority for us,” Rizzotti explained. “She had to acclimate to an already established roster during the previous year.”
In a statement provided by Mabrey’s agent, Marcus Crenshaw expressed his surprise at the decision to not facilitate a trade for his client. “In today’s environment of women’s empowerment and player support, the Connecticut Sun’s stance to compel Marina Mabrey to remain when she has expressed a desire to leave is perplexing,” he noted. “Why would any organization try to retain a player against her will? This approach is counterproductive in numerous ways, and many we’ve discussed this with are bewildered by how they are treating Marina, particularly following their trades of Hall of Fame-caliber players.”
Crenshaw further pointed out, “The coach has departed, free agents have chosen not to return, and yet the organization is trying to retain Marina against her wishes. This situation is certainly intriguing.”
The Sun underwent significant changes, losing all five of their starters from last season’s semifinals appearance. Key players Alyssa Thomas, DiJonai Carrington, and Ty Harris were traded, while DeWanna Bonner and Brionna Jones exited as free agents.
Despite these losses, the Sun bolstered their roster by adding veterans like Tina Charles, Natasha Cloud, Diamond DeShields, Jacy Sheldon, and Lindsay Allen. Additionally, the franchise appointed Rashid Meziane, a former Belgian national team coach, to replace Stephanie White after her move to Indiana.
“We’ll look very different this season. We have strategically added several veterans,” Rizzotti commented. “Our planning has been thorough, and it’s not just focused on 2025.”
