WNBA Trade Rumors: Satou Sabally predicted to join Fever in exchange for $226,668 forward

Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally has emerged as a hot prospect in the WNBA trade market as she prepares to leave the Texas team this offseason. Rumors are swirling about her next destination, with many speculating that she could be headed to Indiana in exchange for forward NaLyssa Smith, who is in the final year of her contract.

On Thursday, IndyStar's Chloe Peterson detailed Sabally's situation and her potential move to Indiana. During a media conference for Unrivaled, Sabally confirmed her departure.

Peterson's report states that the Indiana Fever could trade for Sabally only if they are willing to part with NaLyssa Smith, who signed a three-year, $226,668 contract with the Fever in 2022.

Smith has expressed concern over reduced minutes during the 2024 WNBA season and may see a trade to Dallas as a solution.

Additionally, Smith is in the final year of her contract, with her 2025 salary projected to be around $90,000, which is protected. This could provide sufficient incentive for the Wings to pursue a trade with the Fever, as they aim to avoid losing their second overall pick from the 2020 draft for nothing.

New York Liberty could be a potential landing spot for Satou Sabally

Satou Sabally's stock in recent days has seen a meteoric rise after the Dallas Wings forward said she would not be returning to her team this season. Sabally has been with the Texas outfit since her entry into the league in 2020 and seems ready to move to newer pastures this season.

Although teams such as the Chicago Sky, Indiana Fever and New York Liberty have all been mentioned, the Liberty presents an intriguing prospect for Sabally.

Not only would she join the reigning champions, but she would also reunite with her former Oregon teammate, Sabrina Ionescu. The duo has already been selected to represent Phantom BC in the new 3x3 league "Unrivaled," which starts on Jan. 17.

However, for them to play together in the WNBA, the Liberty will need to offer the Wings a strong trade package, as they won't be the only team interested in signing Sabally.