The Atlanta Dream traded All-Star guard Layshia Clarendon and a 2019 second-round WNBA Draft pick Monday to the Connecticut Sun for Alex Bentley.
Bentley, who returns to Atlanta after playing one season with the Dream in 2013, played with Dream coach Nicki Collen in Connecticut from 2015-2017.
Drafted by the Dream in 2013 out of Penn State with the 13th overall pick, Bentley played in 19 games with the Sun this season, averaging 10 points, 3.2 assists and 1.4 rebounds in 21.7 minutes.
In her six years in the league, Bentley averages 40.2 from the field and 30.8 beyond the arc, which will give the Dream another reliable 3-point shooter to finish out the 2018 season.
“Having had the opportunity to coach Alex Bentley in Connecticut for two seasons, I know she can be a dynamic scorer, but more importantly, she can create opportunities for her teammates because of her speed and skill with the basketball,” Collen said in a statement Monday. “I also consider Alex one of the premier on-ball defenders in the WNBA which will only strengthen our team defense. I am very excited to welcome Alex back to Atlanta where her WNBA career started.”
Clarendon, who has been with the Dream since 2016, served as one of the Dream’s veteran point guards, starting four game this season behind Renee Montgomery.
After being named an All-Star last season, Clarendon averaged 4.3 points and 1.7 assists in 17.3 minutes with the Dream this season.
“I want to thank Layshia for her time and commitment to the Dream organization and wish her luck in Connecticut,” Collen said in the statement.
