{"id":20120,"date":"2025-07-18T23:24:09","date_gmt":"2025-07-18T23:24:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/20120\/"},"modified":"2025-07-18T23:24:09","modified_gmt":"2025-07-18T23:24:09","slug":"never-been-part-of-a-trade-sandy-brondello-thanks-caitlin-clark-after-becoming-part-of-wnbas-historic-move","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/20120\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Never Been Part of a Trade’ — Sandy Brondello Thanks Caitlin Clark After Becoming Part of WNBA’s Historic Move"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Caitlin Clark traded for Sandy Brondello during the WNBA<\/a> All-Star Draft, she made history. Not just any history, but the kind that gets remembered for decades. Clark became the first team captain to trade for a head coach, and Brondello became the first coach ever traded in an All-Star game. The twist? Clark won\u2019t even be on the court to enjoy it.<\/p>\n

How Will Sandy Brondello and Caitlin Clark Work Together on the Sidelines?<\/p>\n

During a press conference<\/a> leading up to the WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, New York Liberty head coach Brondello expressed her gratitude to Indiana Fever superstar Clark\u00a0for orchestrating the historic trade that brought them together.<\/p>\n

sandy on caitlin trading for her:<\/p>\n

\u201cthank you, caitlin. i appreciate that\u2014never been part of a trade, i hope not\u2014i\u2019m excited, it would have been nice, obviously, to coach caitlin, but i\u2019m still gonna lean into her coaching ability as well and enjoy the whole experience.\u201d pic.twitter.com\/fUBeobZTFK<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 cc akgae (@clrkszn) July 18, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Caitlin,\u201d Brondello shared with the media. \u201cI appreciate that, never been part of a trade, I hope this is a coaching thing, hopefully that\u2019s decided, I\u2019m excited, it would have been nice, obviously, to coach Caitlin, but I\u2019m still gonna lean into her coaching ability as well and enjoy the whole experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

The trade itself unfolded during the WNBA Countdown Show\u2019s dramatic conclusion. When the rosters were finalized, Brondello became part of WNBA All-Star history after Clark traded Cheryl Reeve to bring the Liberty\u2019s head coach to Team Clark.<\/p>\n

\u201cI got traded,\u201d Brondello said directly after the trade. \u201cMy son hit me up. I\u2019ve created history, this is awesome. I got traded as a coach. I get to coach Sabrina and Caitlin Clark in Indianapolis. We\u2019ll go out there and have fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

What Does Clark\u2019s Injury Mean for the All-Star Game?<\/p>\n

Clark, who served as team captain for Team Clark and orchestrated the trade for Brondello, will miss the All-Star game due to a re-aggravated groin injury. The injury occurred in the final minutes of the Fever\u2019s 85-77 victory over the Connecticut Sun, forcing the superstar to watch from the sidelines.<\/p>\n

sandy on caitlin being out for the all star game:<\/p>\n

\u201cunfortunate about caitlin going into this game, but she\u2019s gonna still have a great impact on this team. i will give the coaching hat to her as much as she wants to be quite honest. we\u2019re gonna play around with it a little bit.\u201d pic.twitter.com\/tvhpi2seR5<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 cc akgae (@clrkszn) July 18, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Despite the setback, Brondello sees an opportunity in the situation. The Liberty coach revealed that Clark will still play a significant role<\/a> in the team\u2019s strategy, even from the bench.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s unfortunate about Caitlin going into this game, but she\u2019s still going to have a great impact on this team,\u201d Brondello said. \u201cI will give the coaching hat to her as much as she wants, to be quite honest. We\u2019re gonna play around with it a little bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

This unique arrangement means fans will witness something rarely seen in professional sports: a player serving as a co-coach alongside the official head coach. With Clark\u2019s energy and basketball IQ directing strategy from the sidelines, the All-Star game promises to deliver memorable moments far beyond the final score.<\/p>\n