Liberty add 2021 MVP Jonquel Jones in blockbuster three-team trade

The Liberty made a blockbuster trade on Monday, adding 2021 WNBA MVP Jonquel Jones from the Connecticut Sun and veteran forward Kayla Thornton, from the Dallas Wings in a three-team trade. New York adds a slew of talent ahead of the opening of the WNBA’s free agent window, which begins on Jan. 21.

Rebecca Allen and Liberty’s No. 6 draft pick in this year’s draft were sent to Connecticut in the deal and Dallas received Natasha Howard and Crystal Dangerfield.

“Adding Jonquel and Kayla to our roster in the prime of their careers was a can’t-miss opportunity to bolster our frontcourt on both ends of the floor,” Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb said in a statement. “JJ brings an established MVP skill set, and Kayla possesses a rare combination of defensive physicality and offensive spacing. We can’t wait to welcome them to the Liberty family and get to work on pursuing our championship goals.”

Jones is the centerpiece of the deal and comes to the Big Apple after specifically requesting the trade to New York, according to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou. Over her last five seasons, Jones has averaged 15.0 points and 9.3 rebounds while shooting 51% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc.

Last season she averaged 13.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.4 blocks.

“To say I’m excited would be a huge understatement,” Jones said in a statement. “To the fans, future teammates and everyone that has welcomed me to New York thank you! I can’t wait to get this season going and show out in the Big Apple!!”

Jones has a laundry list of accolades aside from her 2021 MVP award. She has made four WNBA All-Star appearances (2017, 2019, 2021-2022), three All-WNBA Second Team honors (2017, 2019, 2022), three WNBA Peak Performer Rebounding titles (2017, 2019, 2021), two All-Defensive First Team nods (2019, 2021), the 2017 Most Improved Player Award, and the 2018 Sixth Woman of the Year.

The former MVP will help bolster a Liberty lineup that already has Sabrina Ionescu and Betnijah Laney on it. New York is coming off two consecutive playoff appearances after failing to qualify from 2018-2020.

The Liberty have also been linked to free agent Breanna Stewart, who is set to become a free agent this offseason.