Sun Acquire January

The Connecticut Sun have acquired All-Star guard Briann January in
a three-team deal involving Phoenix and Atlanta.

UNCASVILLE—The Connecticut Sun announced today that the team has acquired WNBA All-Star guard Briann January as a part of a three-team trade. In addition, Connecticut receives a second-round draft pick from the Phoenix Mercury in 2021. As a part of the deal, the Sun send Courtney Williams to the Atlanta Dream.

January, who was drafted No. 6 overall in 2009 by the Indiana Fever, spent nine seasons in Indianapolis before being traded to Phoenix in 2018. The Arizona State alum boasts a long list of accomplishments from her decorated career. In addition to winning a WNBA Championship with the Fever in 2012, she played key roles on two other trips to the WNBA Finals (2009, 2015) for the Fever. Named an All-Star in the 2014 campaign, January is known as one of the most elite defenders in the history of the WNBA and for her efforts, has been named to WNBA All-Defensive Teams six times. The 5-8 guard has recorded 330 steals in her career.

Offensively, January brings additional playmaking and three-point shooting to the Sun. The combo guard has led the WNBA in three-point shooting percentage twice in her career (2015, 2018), one of only four to ever do so in the history of the WNBA. She has totaled 2,683 points and 1,122 assists. She remains second on Indiana’s all-time list in dimes with 909.

“We are thrilled to add combo guard Briann January to our talented roster. She is a veteran leader, WNBA Champion, WNBA All-Star, premier defensive stopper, and an elite three-point shooter,” said Sun general manager and head coach Curt Miller. “Her versatility will allow us to be really creative on the offensive side of the ball while her consistent defensive toughness adds to our outstanding defenders.

“We realize Courtney was a fan-favorite and we wish her the best in Atlanta,” continued Miller. “Unfortunately, despite our best efforts and all the loyalty and support we’ve shown Courtney over the last four seasons, it became clear she no longer wanted to return to Connecticut. I will look back fondly on the memories we created together, but my focus as always is with the players that have a burning desire to help the Connecticut Sun hang the franchise’s first championship banner. I can't wait to get back on the court with this team.”

“I’m extremely excited to be joining this team and reuniting with DeWanna [Bonner, whom the Sun acquired last week from Phoenix],” January said. “The Connecticut Sun have a talented roster. I look forward to contributing on both ends of the floor and doing whatever I can to bring this franchise and the Sun fans their first championship.”

The Sun tip off the 2020 season on Saturday, May 16 vs. the New York Liberty at the Mohegan Sun Arena. For more information, visit ConnecticutSun.com.

—Staff Reports

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