The Atlanta Dream have traded Jordan Hooper and a 2018 first round draft pick for Imani Boyette, Tamera Young and and 2018 second round draft pick of the Chicago Sky.

In a trade which little sense from the outside the Chicago Sky front office, here is why I believe the trade works for both sides

Atlanta Dream

The Dream appears to have won this trade. Jordan Hooper on the season has only played 6.3 minutes per game for both the Dream and Connecticut Sun, averaging 2.6 points and 0.8 rebounds per game. In return they received a 6-foot-2 nine year veteran in Tamera Young and a 6-foot-7 second year developing center in Imani Boyette.

Young, originally drafted by the Dream back in 2008, is averaging 10.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Her defensive abilities are among the top in the league. Her 3.8 rebounds per game will also help the Dream who are struggling in this department.

However the greater benefit for the Dream will be adding Boyette into the line-up. At 6-foot-7, Boyette is easily the tallest player on the Dream roster. In her 22 games for the season Boyette has averaged 4.6 points and 44.4 rebounds in only 15.5 minutes per game.

Boyette has been lost a little in the rotation of Stefanie Dolson, Jessica Breland, Amber Harris and Cheyenne Parker. In Atlanta, the Dream do not have the same riches in height. Boyette will be the primary back-up for Elizabeth Williams. This will be an immediate boon to the Dream rebounding. Her rim protection will also benefit the Dream.

Chicago Sky

The Sky, on the surface, have lost this trade. Losing one of the best defenders in the league and such a promising second year center is a huge hole to fill. However, this trade tells me the the are now looking the the future.

With the incredible Cappie Pondexter nearing the end of her career, Courtney Vandersloot is now the floor general for this team. Allie Quigley is one of the best shooting guards in the league with at least four quality years off.

No one else on the roster has played more than five seasons in the WNBA. Add to this, Alaina Coates, last season’s number two draft pick has yet to play a game. Where the trade really works for Sky is the 2018 draft is looking to be deep. Adding another young talented player in the mix here would set the Sky up for the long term future.

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