Atlanta Dream Official Release

The Atlanta Dream have acquired guard Erica Wheeler, Los Angeles’ 2023 first round WNBA Draft pick and 2022 second round pick (No. 15) from the Sparks, in exchange for Chennedy Carter and the rights to Li Yueru, the organization announced today.

“Erica is a versatile guard in the prime of her career and we think she’s going to be a great fit here in Atlanta,” said general manager Dan Padover. “Both of these picks are going to be key assets for us as we aim to re-build this team into a title contender. This trade positions us to be right where we want to be in 2022 and beyond.”

Wheeler averaged a career-high 13.6 points and 3.1 rebounds per game with the Sparks in 2021. In a career-high 30.2 minutes per game she shot 41.7 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from the three-point line last season, adding on 4.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game.

“Today is a good day for us, we are excited to add such an experienced player to the point guard position,” said head coach Tanisha Wright. “Throughout Erica’s career she has had to fight and claw her way to get to where she is today, and we are looking forward to her bringing that same determination and grit to the Dream. Erica gives us someone who can push tempo and be a solid playmaker for her team.”

Wheeler became the first ever undrafted player to win the WNBA All-Star MVP award in 2019, scoring a team-high 25 points with seven three-pointers and seven assists in her first All Star Game appearance.

Carter averaged 16.1 points and 3.4 assists over two seasons with Atlanta after the Dream drafted her with the third overall pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft. She was named to the WNBA All-Rookie team in 2020 after leading all rookies with 17.4 points per game.

“We wish Chennedy nothing but the best in Los Angeles,” Padover said. “I believe she is a great talent and has a bright future in the WNBA.”

Los Angeles Sparks Trade

The Los Angeles Sparks announced today the acquisition of Chennedy Carter and the rights to Li Yueru from the Atlanta Dream. In exchange, the Sparks sent Erica Wheeler, a 2022 second-round pick (No. 15), and a 2023 first-round pick to Atlanta.

Carter was the No. 4 pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft. In her rookie season, she averaged 17.4 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game, while shooting 47.3% from the field and 37.5% on 3-pointers. She earned a spot on the WNBA All-Rookie Team. Over two WNBA seasons, she’s averaged 16.1 points and 3.4 assists per game.

“Chennedy Carter has the skills to be an All-WNBA talent,” GM/Head Coach Derek Fisher said. “She can score at all three levels and has a tenacious approach to the game. At just 23 years old, we’re excited about the potential for her to be a star for many years to come.” 

The Sparks also acquired Li Yueru, one of the top international centers. At 6-foot-7, Yueru is a marquee player for the Chinese national team. In the Tokyo Olympics, she averaged 14.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and shot 78.6% from the field. She was drafted No. 35 overall in 2019 by Atlanta. Yueru and Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike were teammates in 2019, playing together for Guangdong (China).

“Li Yueru is someone who proved in the Olympics she has a future in the WNBA,” Fisher said. “Adding an efficient, 6-foot-7 center to our prospect list was important to this deal. This trade also enables us to field a 12-woman roster with the significant cap space created.”

The Sparks send Erica Wheeler to the Dream, in addition to two draft picks. The Sparks signed Wheeler prior to the 2021 season as a free agent. In six WNBA seasons, Wheeler has career averages of 9.7 points, 3.9 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game on 40.6% shooting.

“Erica Wheeler is a class act and did a phenomenal job for us in 2021 as we navigated significant injuries,” Fisher said. “We know she will succeed in Atlanta, and we wish her well.”