Hostman and Afseth start the podcast by sharing their instant reactions to the news and unpacking the trade. By looking at each team’s overall fit and needs, they dive into what exactly both players can bring to their new squads: “I was talking to [Wings head coach Chris Koclanes] about what the impression is of [Miller’s] skillset, what she can bring to the team, and seems like they have some pretty big plans for Diamond and also Maddy Siegrist. … They want to play lineups with bigger wings, and they like the abilities that both of them have to put the ball on the floor.”
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Miler is currently averaging 4.1 points per game this season and will join a Wings’ team that is 8-21 and ranked No. 11 in the standings. Meanwhile, Carrington is averaging 10.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals this season and can add depth to their roster that has only lost five games so far.
“I think it’s finding that right balance of being on a great team like Minnesota, I think will benefit [Carrington], kind of like how it was in Connecticut, where she’s more of a connector, as opposed to someone that you’re looking to create the advantages and set the tone,” Afseth said. “She’s got some unique elements of her skillset, like she can get post positioning, make herself available, and attack mismatches. When her three is falling, I think it’s largely been when she’s had a lot of time to get into her shot and play off of somebody who’s creating significant advantages.”
With the WNBA trade deadline just a few days away on Aug. 7, Horstman and Afseth look ahead at the rest of this week and what potential moves might be made in the future given the “looming CBA.”
“Cheryl [Reeve] mentioned this last week, too, when we’re asking her about the trade deadline, that with everyone essentially being on an expiring deal, it makes it hard for to move someone on a team that’s not contending to a contender,” he emphasized. “If you’re Seattle or Atlanta, you got to ask yourself the question, ‘Does this player actually put us in the thick of the title race, and worth giving up X, Y and Z for [them]?’ So finding a deal, I think, is tougher this year, just with the looming CBA.”
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