The Los Angeles Sparks went from a young rebuilding team that brought in two lottery picks in 2024 to a veteran-heavy team hoping to compete for a title in just two years. The Sparks traded for Kelsey Plum ahead of the 2025 season, signed Nneka Ogwumike this offseason, and added Ariel Atkins in a deal with the Chicago Sky.

Those moves have created opportunities for two Sparks youngsters. Rae Burrell was elevated to a starting role, and Rickea Jackson was traded to the Chicago Sky , where she is a focal point of the team’s offense. It has also come at the expense of Cameron Brink, though.

Brink came to the Sparks as the number-two pick in a stacked 2024 WNBA Draft and was expected to be a franchise centerpiece for years to come.…