The WNBA coaching community has reacted strongly to the historic trade involving Caitlin Clark’s team, as initially reported by Athlon Sports. After missing five consecutive games due to a groin injury, Kate Rinklerk is set to make her return when the Indiana Fever face off against the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday.
Clark missed over half of Indiana’s matches this season because of various injuries, but still managed impressive averages of 18.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 8.9 assists across nine games, earning her another All-Star selection. This marks Clark’s second consecutive year being voted into the All-Star Game, where she topped the fan votes with 1,293,526 votes and was honored as a team captain. She will be joined by Minnesota Lynx forward Nafisa Collier, who also earned the captain’s role.
During Tuesday night’s WNBA All-Star Draft, Clark and Collier picked their teams, initially choosing starters then reserves. Uniquely, the two All-Star captains agreed to swap coaches just after the draft, with Clark trading New York Liberty coach Sandi Brondello and Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve.
Following the Liberty’s 87-78 win over the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday, Brondello expressed her excitement in a postgame press conference about joining Clark’s All-Star team alongside New York’s Sabrina Ionescu. "I’ve been traded," Brondello shared. "My son hit me. I made history, this is great. I was traded as a coach. I’m pairing up with Sabrina and Caitlin Clark in Indianapolis… we’re out there having fun."
While Clark and Collier reversed their initial trade, some of their draft choices aligned perfectly: Clark quickly picked her enthusiastic teammates Aliya Boston and Kelsey Mitchell, while Collier selected Lynx teammate Courtney Williams.
The 2025 All-Star Game is scheduled for Saturday, July 19th, at Gainbridge Field House in Indianapolis.
Related: Kate Linklark, All-Star Coach, has filed official complaints with the WNBA.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on July 9, 2025.
Fan Take: This groundbreaking trade highlights the evolving strategies and camaraderie within the WNBA, elevating the excitement and competitiveness of the All-Star Game. For fans, it signals a dynamic shift towards more engaging and unpredictable team lineups, promising an electrifying spectacle that could attract even greater attention to the league.
