Jasmine Thomas and Sparks coach Curt Miller reunited in a trade

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Sparks acquired former All-Star Jasmine Thomas and the 10th overall pick in this year’s WNBA draft from Connecticut on Monday in exchange for center Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Jasmine Walker and the reserved rights to Kianna Smith.

The deal is subject to physical examinations.

The trade gives the Sparks the 10th, 14th, and 26th overall draft picks.

Thomas is now reunited with Sparks Coach Curt Miller. Curt was Thomas’ coach for seven of eight seasons with Suns. Miller was hired by the Sparks in October.

Thomas’s career averages are 9.6 points and 2.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists over 12 years in Washington, Atlanta, and Connecticut. Because of her torn anterior cruciate ligament, she was limited to just five games in the last season. In 2017, she was an All-Star.

“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,” Miller said. “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.”

The Sparks drafted Nelson-Ododa 19th in the draft last year. She averaged 4.0 points per game and 2.9 rebounds in 30 games.

Smith was the 16th overall draft pick of the Sparks last year. In 11 games, Smith averaged 2.6 points.

Walker averaged 1.5 rebounds and 1.5 points in 34 games played for the Sparks. She was drafted by them in 2021.

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