Sky trades guard Perkins to San Antonio for center
The Chicago Sky's roster shuffle got under way in a big way on Wednesday.
The Sky acquired veteran center Michelle Snow in a two-player deal that sent Chicago's No. 2 scorer and steals leader, guard Jia Perkins, to San Antonio.
The Sky also re-signed veteran shooting guard Erin Thorn to a one year contract.
“We're excited to have a veteran, former all-star player join our squad,” said Sky general manager and head coach Pokey Chatman. “Michelle's a player that will obviously strengthen our frontcourt with her ability to play both the 4 and 5 positions. Her ability to stretch the defense with her high post range, and her length on the block is a huge asset that has served her well.”
Snow, a WNBA All-Star in 2006 and 2010, averaged 10.4 points and 6.2 rebounds in 24.1 minutes per game for the Silver Stars. The 6-foot-5 center shot a career best 57.4% from the floor in 2010, fourth best in the league.
Drafted with the 10th overall pick in 2002 out of the University of Tennessee by the Houston Comets, Snow enters her 10th season in the WNBA. She played seven seasons for the Comets before being signed as a free agent by the Atlanta Dream in 2009. In 2010 she was traded to the Silver Stars for Dalma Ivanyi and a 2011 second round draft pick
Perkins, a seven year WNBA veteran, played each of the Sky's first five seasons and holds team career records in several categories including games (165), 3-point field goals (170) and steals (286). In 2010 she started all 34 games for the Sky and averaged a team second best 10.7 points per game while also collecting 2.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists. She led the team with 56 steals for the season.
“Jia has been an integral part of growing the Chicago Sky franchise,” added Chatman. “We truly appreciate her contributions and wish her all the best.”
The 5-foot-9 Thorn is returning for her ninth WNBA season and third with the Sky. During the 2010 season, Thorn averaged 20.1 minutes, 6.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. Terms of the contracts were not released.
Known for her ability to spread the defense with her shot making, she led the team in three-pointers (42), three-point field goal percentage (.420%) and accuracy from the free throw line (.889%).
“I'm happy Erin will continue to be a part of our team,” said Chatman. “She provides a valuable skill set that will be key to our success.”
During her two seasons with the Sky, Thorn has made her mark in the team's record books. She is currently second in team history in three-point field goal percentage (41.1%) and third in team history in three-pointers made (79).
Thorn, a graduate of Brigham Young University, was originally selected by the New York Liberty 17th overall in the 2003 WNBA Draft. She played for six seasons for the Liberty before being picked up by the Sky in 2009 as a free agent.