The 2023 WNBA free agency started early this year and the league had its first trade on Friday afternoon. The Atlanta Dream made major news yesterday and acquired 11-year veteran guard Danielle Robinson better known as DRob, from the Indiana Fever in a trade that sent guard Kristy Wallace to the Fever. The Dream drafted Wallace in 2018 in the second round.
Kristy Wallace with the Dream
Wallace had an incredible rookie season with the Dream in 2022, averaging 6.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. She was an integral part of the Dream’s 2022 season. Wallace started 18 of 29 games played, including her WNBA debut on May 7. As I mentioned in my article about the Dream’s season back in June, Wallace was a vital part of the team giving Atlanta an extra weapon offensively. She was averaging 41% from the field and reliable from the three. The Dream will miss her offensively, but DRob will help the team facilitate the ball more.
Danielle Robinson with the Fever
This is not a surprise, to say the least; this is another Vegas connection for the Dream. General Manager Dan Padover was previously with the Las Vegas Aces and so was DRob. Robinson played with the organization for six seasons, five with the San Antonio Silver Stars and one as the Aces in 2020. She played two seasons with the Fever and averaged 7.4 points, 3.8 assists, and 41.9% from the field, plus 22.5% from three. She played 31 games for the Fever in 2022. This is what GM Dan Padover had to say about Robinson:
“Danielle’s skillset, competitiveness, and basketball IQ will prove her to be a great addition to our team. Her game speaks for itself, and we know she will continue to bring the same energy to the floor that she has brought throughout her entire professional career,” said Dream General Manager and Executive Vice President Dan Padover. “Danielle is the exact type of professional we want to bring into this organization, her leadership and experience will be a huge asset for our young talent as they continue to grow into the future of the Dream.”
Her leadership will indeed help this young team and improve the team. The question remains will Erica Wheeler stay with the Dream or go elsewhere? Wheeler is a free agent, but with this early move, things might look different for the Dream in 2023. Unfortunately, anything can happen in the WNBA and we will continue to see shocking news within the upcoming weeks.
More must-reads: