Los Angeles Also Receives No. 10 Pick in 2023 WNBA Draft
Sparks Send Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Jasmine Walker and Reserved Rights to Kianna Smith to Connecticut
LOS ANGELES (January 15, 2023) – The Los Angeles Sparks announced today the acquisition of Jasmine Thomas and the 10th overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft in exchange for center Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Jasmine Walker and the reserved rights to Kianna Smith, pending physicals.
“The trade with Connecticut puts us in a great position going into free agency as we were able to secure a veteran point guard and add a first-round pick,” said Sparks CAO & GM Karen Bryant. “We are grateful for the time that we had with Olivia, Jasmine and Kianna and thank them for their contributions to the Sparks. We wish them all the best as they continue to grow in this league.”
Thomas, a 12-year veteran, holds career averages of 9.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals in 358 career games with Washington, Atlanta and Connecticut. The Duke graduate was selected 12th overall in the 2011 WNBA Draft by the Seattle Storm before being traded to the Washington Mystics. Her postseason success includes being a part of five WNBA Semifinals teams (2013, 2019-22) and three WNBA Finals teams (2013, 2019, 2022).
In her eight seasons with the Sun, seven of them under Head Coach Curt Miller, she averaged 11.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists and 1.3 steals and set the franchise record for most assists with 994. Thomas was a defensive standout in the league being named to the WNBA All-Defensive First Team in three straight seasons (2017-2019), WNBA All-Defensive Second Team in two seasons (2016 and 2021) and voted as a WNBA All-Star in 2017.
“I have had the pleasure of coaching Jasmine for my entire professional head coaching career and know she will be an incredible addition to this team and the culture we are building in LA,” said Sparks Head Coach Curt Miller. “Her knowledge of the game and her ability to lead a team both on the offensive and defensive ends of the floor is something that will be invaluable to us.”
Nelson-Ododa was drafted by the Sparks 19th overall in the 2022 WNBA Draft. In 30 games with the Sparks, she averaged 4.0 points and 2.9 rebounds in 14.5 minutes per game.
Smith was drafted by the Sparks 16th overall in the 2022 WNBA Draft, playing in 11 games and holding averages of 2.6 points, 0.8 rebounds and 0.5 assists.
Originally drafted by the Sparks with the 7th overall pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft, Walker played in 34 total games for the Sparks, holding career averages of 1.5 points and 1.4 rebounds in 8.9 minutes per game.
After today’s trade, the Sparks now hold the 10th, 14th and 26th overall picks in the 2023 WNBA Draft.
ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES SPARKS
Founded in 1996, the Los Angeles Sparks are one of three original franchises in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The Sparks have won three WNBA Championships (2001, 2002, 2016), have qualified for the playoffs in 20 of their 26 seasons and remain the only active team in the league to win back-to-back titles. The Los Angeles Sparks are dedicated to ensuring each home game at Crypto.com Arena has a championship level entertainment experience while showcasing the best female athletes from around the world on the court. LA Sparks 2023 season tickets are available here for purchase.