NEW YORK (AP) The Connecticut Sun have traded guard Alex Bentley to the Atlanta Dream for Layshia Clarendon and a second-round pick in 2019 on Monday.
Bentley is averaging 10 points for the Sun this season as the team's sixth player. The former All-Star was drafted by the Atlanta Dream in 2013 with the No. 13 pick before being traded to Connecticut as part of a three-team deal with Washington in 2014.
Clarendon came to Atlanta in 2016 and is averaging just 4.3 points this season. She was drafted ninth by Indiana in 2013. Clarendon set the franchise record for assists last season when she had 226 - tied for third most in league history - and made the All-Star team.
''We are excited about obtaining Layshia,'' Connecticut Sun coach and general manager Curt Miller said. ''She's a talented and savvy guard with a great reputation as a leader on and off the court. She was thrilled when we spoke, and can't wait to arrive in Connecticut.''
The Sun started off the season 7-1 before struggling the past month to fall to 10-9. The team completed a recent west coast swing 1-3.
Atlanta coach Nicki Collen was excited to have Bentley after coaching her for two years as an assistant in Connecticut.
''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.
''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.''
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