LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Sparks have acquired forward Chiney Ogwumike from the Connecticut Sun in exchange for the team’s 2020 first round draft pick, Sparks Executive Vice President and General Manager Penny Toler announced today. Last season, Ogwumike was named an All-Star and averaged 14.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. She shot 60.3% from the field, the third highest mark in the league.
“Chiney Ogwumike is one of the most athletic, versatile and efficient frontcourt players in the WNBA,” Toler said. “Chiney provides us additional inside scoring, rebounding and rim protection. She will be a great addition to our roster.”
The 6-foot-4 Ogwumike was the WNBA first overall pick in 2014 by the Connecticut Sun. That season, she was named WNBA Rookie of the Year and was selected to the All-Star team. She’s posted career averages of 14.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game while shooting an efficient 57.2% from the floor.
The trade reunites Chiney with her sister Nneka Ogwumike. Graduates of Stanford University, the two played alongside each other during Chiney’s freshmen and sophomore seasons. Chiney led Stanford to three Final Fours and set the previous all-time scoring record in Pac-12 Conference history, men’s or women’s.
The Sparks begin training camp on May 5 and the home opener is May 31 against the Connecticut Sun.