Sparks Acquire Odyssey Sims in Trade with Wings

The Los Angeles Sparks have traded the #4 pick and #23 pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft in exchange for the rights to Odyssey Sims and the #11 pick in the first round of the 2017 Draft from the Dallas Wings, as announced Friday.
Sparks Press Release
The Los Angeles Sparks have traded the #4 pick and #23 pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft in exchange for the rights to Odyssey Sims and the #11 pick in the first round of the 2017 Draft from the Dallas Wings, Executive Vice President and General Manger Penny Toler announced today.
Sims was the second overall pick in the 2014 WNBA Draft by the Tulsa Shock (now renamed Dallas Wings) and had a breakout rookie season playing all 34 games and averaged 16.7 ppg, 4.2 apg, 2.8 rpg. She was Rookie of the Month for July and August and was named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team. In 2015, she led the team in scoring and finished fifth in the league with 16 ppg. She is currently playing in Turkey, where she is the leading score in the Turkish league averaging 21.3 ppg.
“Odyssey brings a lot to the table as a player. She is capable of playing both the 1 and 2 position,” said Executive Vice President and General Manager, Penny Toler. “She is a great defender and fierce competitor that can score attacking the basket, shooting from the outside, or dishing out assists to her teammates.”
A graduate of Baylor University, the 5-foot-8 point guard was named WBCA All-American (2012-2013), USBWA All-American (2012, 2013), AP All-American, first team (2013), All Big 12 First Team (2011, 2012, 2013), All Big 12 Defensive Team (2012, 2013) and Lieberman Award Winner (2014).
Wings Press Release
The Dallas Wings announced today the team has acquired the fourth overall pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft, as well as the 23rd overall selection, in exchange for guard Odyssey Sims and the 11th pick.
“We have felt strongly we needed to change the dynamic with our roster heading into the 2017 season,” Dallas Wings General Manager Greg Bibb stated. “This deal provides us with the opportunity to add another high pick in what we consider a strong draft class, particularly at the top of the draft board. Odyssey is a talented player whose contributions to the organization are greatly appreciated; however, you must deliver value to receive value in return. After evaluating numerous scenarios, this deal gives us the best opportunity to achieve our goals for the upcoming season, which include a return to the playoffs and the chance to compete for a WNBA Championship.”
The Wings now own the 3rd, 4th, 10th, 23rd and 26th picks in this year’s WNBA Draft, to go along with a young core group of players that includes Skylar Diggins, Karima Christmas, Glory Johnson and Aerial Powers. The 2017 WNBA Draft will take place on April 13.
Sims appeared in 34 games for the Wings last season while averaging 14 points per game and 3.9 assists per contest. She appeared in a total of 91 games for the organization during her three-year WNBA career.
Training camp for the Wings will start on April 23 in Arlington, TX. The Wings open the 2017 season on the road against Phoenix on May 14, followed by their home opener on May 20 at College Park Center.