Chicago Sky trade Gabby Williams to Los Angeles Sparks for rookie Stephanie Watts — the No. 10 pick in the 2021 draft — and the rights to Germany’s Leonie Fiebich

Chicago Tribune staff, Chicago Tribune
·2 min read

The Chicago Sky traded forward Gabby Williams — who is on the WNBA’s suspended list for the 2021 season while honoring a commitment to the French national team — to the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday for rookie guard Stephanie Watts and the rights to German guard Leonie Fiebich.

Williams, whom the Sky drafted with the No. 4 pick in 2018 out of Connecticut, is one of 14 players training with the French team for the EuroBasket competition June 17-27. If she makes the French Olympic roster, she would have international commitments through mid-August.

The 5-foot-11 Williams averaged 6.8 points and 3.4 rebounds in 89 games over three seasons with the Sky. She started 30 games as a rookie in 2018, but mostly came off the bench the last two seasons.

“We thank Gabby for all that she has done in a Sky uniform and we wish her well going forward,” Sky general manager and coach James Wade said in a statement.

The 5-11 Watts was the No. 10 pick in this year’s draft by the Sparks out of North Carolina. She led the Tar Heels this past season in assists, steals and blocked shots. Watts began her college career in Chapel Hill, then transferred to USC for one season before returning to the Tar Heels for her final season.

“We are excited about the possibilities that come with having Stephanie with us and what she will bring to our team,” Wade said in the statement. “Her activity and skill set have already been displayed with LA early on.”

Fiebich was the No. 22 pick in the 2020 draft by the Sparks. She helped Germany win a gold medal in the 2018 FIBA Under-18 European Championship.

“Leonie is a young German prospect that we feel has a long career ahead of her,” Wade said. “She’s a 6-4 guard with limitless potential.”