ATLANTA, GA (February 5, 2022) – The Atlanta Dream have acquired guard Erica Wheeler, Los Angeles’ 2023 first round WNBA Draft pick and 2022 second round pick (No. 15) from the Sparks, in exchange for Chennedy Carter and the rights to Li Yueru, the organization announced today.
“Erica is a versatile guard in the prime of her career and we think she’s going to be a great fit here in Atlanta,” said general manager Dan Padover. “Both of these picks are going to be key assets for us as we aim to re-build this team into a title contender. This trade positions us to be right where we want to be in 2022 and beyond.”
Wheeler averaged a career-high 13.6 points and 3.1 rebounds per game with the Sparks in 2021. In a career-high 30.2 minutes per game she shot 41.7 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from the three-point line last season, adding on 4.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
“Today is a good day for us, we are excited to add such an experienced player to the point guard position,” said head coach Tanisha Wright. “Throughout Erica’s career she has had to fight and claw her way to get to where she is today, and we are looking forward to her bringing that same determination and grit to the Dream. Erica gives us someone who can push tempo and be a solid playmaker for her team.”
Wheeler became the first ever undrafted player to win the WNBA All-Star MVP award in 2019, scoring a team-high 25 points with seven three-pointers and seven assists in her first All Star Game appearance.
Carter averaged 16.1 points and 3.4 assists over two seasons with Atlanta after the Dream drafted her with the third overall pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft. She was named to the WNBA All-Rookie team in 2020 after leading all rookies with 17.4 points per game.
“We wish Chennedy nothing but the best in Los Angeles,” Padover said. “I believe she is a great talent and has a bright future in the WNBA.”
The Atlanta Dream will tip off their milestone 15th season in the WNBA in May 2022. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 14 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2022 season tickets, please visit www.dreamelitemembership.com, call 877-977-7729 or email tickets@atlantadream.net.