This year’s WNBA trade deadline is different

The GIST: Minnesota Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier will sadly be sidelined for the foreseeable future after leaving Saturday’s game early with a sprained ankle. That’s one question answered — but it’s far from the only WNBA query with tomorrow’s 3 p.m. ET trade deadline looming.

• Often a blip on the calendar, this year’s deadline is already shaping up to be extra spicy.

❓ Why is the W’s trade deadline usually quiet?: There are three major reasons: the league’s salary cap, the relatively small number of teams, and limited roster size. Unlike the NBA’s soft salary cap which allows flexibility, the W’s cap is hard, meaning there’s simply no wiggle room…not even a penny’s worth. With margins so slim, trades can be tricky to maneuver.

• The number of teams also impacts in-season swaps. Eight of the W’s 13 squads will make the playoffs, meaning there just aren’t enough “sellers” (aka front offices willing to part with key contributors) as teams jostle for postseason positioning.

• Finally, there’s roster size. WNBA rosters are limited to 12 players, but many carry only 11 because of the aforementioned hard salary cap. Teams regularly have to waive players before or after a trade to create roster space, adding extra complexity to negotiations.

❓ Why is this year different?: 2025 has been one of the most trade-heavy seasons in league history, and it’s all thanks to the ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations. With a hefty pay raise likely on the way, most players committed to one-year deals that expire at the end of the season. This allows teams to wheel and deal, knowing they won’t be locked into years of paying a salary.

❓ Who’s on the trading block?: Your guess is as good as ours. Washington Mystics All-Star Brittney Sykes was dealt to the Seattle Storm yesterday, while her former teammate Aaliyah Edwards could be on the move too. One player definitely not being shopped? Dallas Wing Arike Ogunbowale — the team quashed rumors they were dealing the four-time All-Star. Never a dull moment in the W.