Sky swaps No. 2 pick for 2 veterans

After missing the playoffs again last season, the Chicago Sky has traded the No. 2 pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft for two veteran players who have rarely missed the playoffs and collected five WNBA title combined.

Chicago Sky head coach and general manager Pokey Chatman announced Monday the team has acquired 10-year veteran Swin Cash and Le’Coe Willingham from the Seattle Storm, along with Seattle’s second-round pick (23rd overall) in the 2012 draft. The Storm will receive the No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 WNBA Draft. “With the additions of Swin and Le’Coe, we have gained tremendously skilled players and leaders,” said Chatman. “They also possess the experience and intensity needed to not only compete, but succeed at the highest level.”

The 6-foot-1 Cash, a three-time WNBA all-star, earned two titles with the Detroit Shock in 2003 and 2006 and another with Seattle in 2010. Last season in Seattle, Cash averaged 13.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, just above her career average mark of 12.8 points and 6.0 rebounds a game. Cash, 32, is a former University of Connecticut star who has led her teams to the WNBA playoffs nine times.

Willingham, 30, has reached the WNBA finals four times in her 8-year career. She collected WNBA titles with the Phoenix Mercury (2009) and Seattle (2010). Last season the 6-foot forward averaged 6.4 points and 4.2 rebounds a game.

“I’m looking forward to experiencing their impact, not only on game nights, but at practice, in the locker room, as well as in the community,” added Chatman.