A done mega-deal: Cappie heads to the Big Apple

News broke last night that WNBA star and Phoenix Mercury guard Cappie Pondexter was the superglue of a major three-team trade. Rumors of the deal surfaced weeks ago with speculation that Pondexter demanded the trade or would sit out the season.

Terms of the deal include the Liberty sending forwards Shameka Christon and Cathrine Kraayeveld to the Chicago Sky. In exchange, New York receives Chicago’s 2010 2nd round draft pick (No. 16).  Chicago sends forward Candice Dupree to Phoenix.

“The Liberty is thrilled to have acquired Cappie Pondexter, one of the top players in the world, in what is truly a franchise changing acquisition. Rarely do you get the opportunity to trade for a player of this magnitude, as Cappie is a proven winner with championship experience and a perennial WNBA All-Star,” said Liberty president and general manager Carol Blazejowski in a statement. “Both Shameka and Cathrine have been important members of the Liberty, and we wish them great success in the future and thank them for all of their contributions to the franchise.”

Liberty head coach Anne Donovan will only coach the team for one more summer. Seton Hall announced Monday that she is the new coach of its women’s basketball team. Seton hall finished the 2009-2010 season in last place in the Big East conference. They recently fired former coach Phyllis Mangina.