Sparks attempt 1st in-season poach via new WNBA development contracts appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
As part of the WNBA’s new historic CBA, one of the new stipulations added was the implementation of development contracts. This essentially added two new roster spots per team, with some restrictions. One of the conditions of the development contracts was that opposing teams are able to sign those players away in-season, as the Sparks have just attempted to do with the Kiana Williams of the Phoenix Mercury.
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The Sparks have officially tendered an offer sheet to Kiana Williams, who was on a development contract with the Mercury, and Phoenix is on the clock with 24 hours to match or lose her. Should the Mercury decide not to match the offer sheet, the Sparks will have to cut a player to make room on the active roster.
As it stands, the Sparks have 12 players signed to standard contracts and two signed to development contracts. One of those players on a development deal is Kate Martin, the No. 18 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Martin has played well for the Sparks this season but has currently used up 11 of her allowed 12 games as a development player.
If the Sparks want to also convert Martin’s deal to a standard contract, they will need to waive an additional player.
In the case of Williams, it would appear as if the Sparks aren’t satisfied with their current guard depth behind Kelsey Plum, Erica Wheeler and Ariel Atkins. The aforementioned trio start for the team, but after that the Sparks have searched for consistent depth as part of the second unit.
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Rookie guards Chance Gray and Ta’Niya Latson have been given opportunities, with Gray seeing more consistent playing time. But neither have really separated themselves and the Sparks are currently without Plum who missed the team’s loss to the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday due to a lower leg injury. Her status moving forward is unknown at this point.
In Williams, the Sparks would get a five-year veteran who has played the last two seasons for the Mercury. This season, she’s appeared in eight games at a little over 13 minutes per game, a career-high. She’s averaging 4.8 points while shooting 36 percent from the 3-point line, both career-bests.
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