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UConn star Paige Bueckers might be widely regarded as the top player in the 2025 WNBA draft class, but she’s not the one generating trade chatter ahead of Monday’s event.
ESPN’s Andraya Carter reported Sunday on SportsCenter the Seattle Storm have received trade interest in the No. 2 pick as rival teams attempt to land French center Dominique Malonga. Carter played down the likelihood of a deal happening and posited “I’m not sure there’s a trade package worth passing up on this type of player.”
In addition to Malonga’s raw talent, the presence of fellow French national team player Gabby Williams could ease her adjustment to the WNBA in Seattle.
Representing ASVEL Lyon in the French league, Malonga averaged 15.4 points and 10.3 rebounds in 22 games. She was also the team’s leading scorer (18.5) and rebounder (11.0) in this year’s EuroCup Women tournament.
The 19-year-old represents the evolution of women’s basketball because she’s a 6’6″ big who can stretch the floor and score off the dribble. Hall of Fame guard Tony Parker compared her to San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama years before she was on the radar for WNBA teams.
Bueckers drove a lot of the conversation when it came to the 2025 lottery. Dallas Wings general manager Curt Miller was ecstatic when it became clear his team was getting the No. 1 pick, thus gaining the chance to pick the Huskies guard.
Malonga may turn out to be quite the consolation prize for Seattle.
