Now that the 2022 WNBA Draft is complete, we can evaluate the selections and take a closer look at how each of the 12 teams performed.

The Atlanta Dream made an aggressive move to trade for the No. 1 pick and land guard Rhyne Howard; Lexie Hull and Mya Hollingshed were easily the biggest surprises of the first round; and several projected first-round picks fell to the second round, which is not necessarily a reflection of their ability to compete for highly coveted roster spots in training camp.

Below, we hand out post-draft grades for every WNBA team.

Atlanta Dream: A+

No. 1 Rhyne Howard, No. 15 Naz Hillmon

The Dream had their eyes set on someone specific when they traded up to the No. 1 pick in a deal with Washington last week, and that someone was Howard. Howard’s pro-readiness and elite skill set have been highly touted for years, and the rebuilding Dream have an opportunity to make her a focal point of the organization under new management.

Landing Naz Hillmon in the second round was a home run, as the Michigan star easily could have been off the board at that point. Although she is undersized at 6-foot-2, Hillmon’s work ethic, character and heart make her a perfect fit for the culture Atlanta is looking to build as she develops her game over time.

Indiana Fever: A

No. 2 NaLyssa Smith, No. 4 Emily Engstler, No. 6 Lexie Hull, No. 10 Queen Egbo, No. 20 Destanni Henderson, No. 25 Ameshya Williams-Holliday, No. 34 Ali Patberg

The Fever’s 2022 draft class could be an expansion team of its own. There is a lot to unpack from Indiana’s draft night, but one thing is for certain: The Fever loaded up on young and promising talent at nearly every position.

General manager Lin Dunn is looking toward the future, a process that involves tearing down the roster and adding players with size and defensive tenacity. The team’s first two selections, NaLyssa Smith and Emily Engstler, fit that mold to a tee. While Lexie Hull at No. 6 was a bit of a surprise, she brings undeniable length and sharpshooting at the wing spot.

Reuniting Smith with Queen Egbo out of Baylor was a good move for the sake of chemistry and consistency. While some are higher on the 6-3 Egbo than others, her elite athleticism and efficiency at the rim are two highly valued traits in the WNBA.

Destanni Henderson shined in the national championship game as the floor general for No. 1 South Carolina and gives the Fever high-level depth at the point, which they need. While it will be challenging for Ameshya Williams-Holliday and Ali Patberg to make the roster, they bring size and, in Patberg’s case, homegrown talent that will make Fever training camp even more competitive.

Los Angeles Sparks: A

No. 9 Rae Burrell, No. 16 Kianna Smith, No. 19 Olivia Nelson-Ododa, No. 27 Amy Atwell

After loading up in free agency, the Sparks were on a mission to add length, depth and shooting ability at the wing in this draft, and they did just that. Rae Burrell played the majority of her senior season with Tennessee at less than 100 percent. If she can take the time to get healthy, her potential in the league is appealing as a 6-1 guard.

Kianna Smith was a bit overlooked in this draft. The 6-0 sharpshooting and steady guard out of Louisville has a legitimate chance to earn a roster spot. While the Sparks are fairly deep already in the post, they would have been remiss to pass on Olivia Nelson-Ododa in the second round given her skill set in the paint and history at UConn.

Amy Atwell is also an intriguing, late addition. An athletic, experienced and offensive-minded guard, she will bring a valuable element to Sparks training camp.

New York Liberty: A-

No. 5 Nyara Sabally, No. 18 Lorela Cubaj, No. 29 Sika Kone

The Liberty addressed the one glaring area on their roster — post play — by adding three extremely promising talents in this draft. Nyara Sabally has the potential to be one of the best post players in the class with her 6-5 frame, versatile skill set, touch around the rim and face-up ability. She has yet to hit her stride after battling injuries at Oregon, an issue that hung over her draft stock but does not seem to concern the Liberty. I did not expect her to be available at No. 5, so this feels like a steal for New York.

The Liberty also added a highly competitive, defensive-minded pro with a great motor in Lorela Cubaj. If she can expand her offensive game, she has a real shot at making an impact in this league. Sika Kone, at just 19 years old, has a high ceiling for the future of the franchise.

Washington Mystics: A-

No. 3 Shakira Austin, No. 14 Christyn Williams

The Mystics gave up the No. 1 pick and still had one of the best drafts, landing Shakira Austin and Christyn Williams with the No. 3 and No. 14 picks. As part of their pre-draft deal with Atlanta, they also still own the right to swap first-round picks in the highly touted 2023 draft.

Austin’s 6-5 frame, power and strength might be the most impressive in this class, and the Mystics have the opportunity to mold her into a long-term impact player.

Williams gives the Mystics necessary depth at the wing position. UConn has one of the best track records of preparing players for the WNBA, and Williams should be no exception given her explosiveness and ability to attack the rim in the open court.

Connecticut Sun: B

No. 12 Nia Clouden, No. 24 Jordan Lewis, No. 36 Kiara Smith

Connecticut, facing a limited salary cap, had a trade in place to move down the board on draft night, sources tell Just Women’s Sports. Instead, they were able to secure the player they had near the top of their list in Nia Clouden. The Sun needed scoring depth at the off-guard position, and Clouden’s ability to facilitate, score and play off the ball will force the Sun to make some difficult roster decisions out of training camp.

Jordan Lewis had a strong season for Baylor and enters the WNBA with an experienced resume. Kiara “Kiki” Smith was an absolute steal as the last pick in the draft. The Florida product is still recovering from a late-season injury, giving the Sun the option to suspend her contract and hold onto her playing rights for the future.

Las Vegas Aces: B-

No. 8 Mya Hollingshed, No. 11 Kierstan Bell, No. 13 Khayla Pointer, No. 23 Aisha Sheppard, No. 35 Faustine Aifuwa

The Aces addressed multiple positions in this draft, but they specifically needed depth at the stretch four, and they added that right at the top of the board in Mya Hollingshed.

Las Vegas’ decision to trade away vital 2023 first- and second-round draft picks to move up in this year’s draft and select a player who likely would have been available later on was perplexing. Hollingshed, however, does give the Aces elite length and athleticism coming off the best season of her NCAA career. They clearly view her as a valuable asset to Becky Hammon’s system in this new era of the franchise.

The Aces were fortunate to get Kierstan Bell at No. 11, since the confident and versatile scorer was projected to go higher. Bell’s game should translate well to Las Vegas’ high-octane offense. From there, the Aces reunited LSU’s Khayla Pointer and Faustine Aifuwa with their former coach and current Las Vegas president, Nikki Fargas, who knows the competitive edge both players will bring to camp. Aisha Sheppard gives the Aces another experienced offensive weapon who shoots the ball well from the perimeter.

Dallas Wings: B-

No. 7 Veronica Burton, No. 30 Jasmine Dickey, No. 31 Jazz Bond

This Wings team has so much young talent that it’s hard to determine where it goes from here. This season could serve as a barometer for the players Dallas decides to hold onto and those it opts to move on from.

Despite the lack of space on the roster, the Wings landed a great point guard in Veronica Burton. The Northwestern product has the mentality, facilitating and scoring ability, and defensive tenacity to carve out a long career in the WNBA.

Jasmine Dickey is a prolific scorer who will challenge for a spot in camp. Jazz Bond, a big who can shoot the 3, might warrant an extra look now that the Wings will be without Bella Alarie this season.

Minnesota Lynx: B-

No. 22 Kayla Jones, No. 28 Hannah Sjerven

Lynx head coach and GM Cheryl Reeve has spoken openly about the Lynx’s roster and cap space challenges this season. Trading the No. 8 and No. 13 picks to the Aces for 2023 first- and second-round picks was a savvy move given their current situation and the strength of next year’s draft. The combination of that trade and their current roster bind earned the Lynx the B- grade.

This draft was not going to be a focal point for the 2022 season, and it didn’t need to be. The Lynx still added Kayla Jones, a well-rounded player and effective rebounder and shooter. Hannah Sjerven put the world on notice after leading South Dakota to the Sweet 16. At 6-2, she will have a learning curve, but she brings a strong presence to the interior.

Seattle Storm: C+

No. 17 Elissa Cunane, No. 21 Evina Westbrook, No. 33 Jade Melbourne

Seattle jumped at the opportunity to select Elissa Cunane in the middle of the second round, since many did not expect her to fall to No. 17. Cunane showed at NC State that she is most effective when she can go one-on-one in the paint and shoot open 3s. Her physicality remains a concern, but the 6-5 center adds an element that Seattle will need to consider deeply after this season.

Evina Westbrook adds depth at the combo spot, but it’s unclear if the Storm have a place for her on their guard-heavy roster. Jade Melbourne, just 19 years old, could be an asset down the road if Seattle can hold onto her.

Phoenix Mercury: C

No. 26 Maya Dodson, No. 32 Macee Williams

With all of their picks coming in the third round, the Mercury were always going to be limited in this draft. Their biggest need was depth in the post given Brittney Griner’s uncertain future in Russia, and they added two five-year collegiate posts in Maya Dodson and Macee Williams.

The 6-3 Dodson, after a standout season at Notre Dame, brings athleticism and the ability to run the floor. Williams had one of the most dominant collegiate careers at IUPUI and might shock some people in camp with her strength, power, footwork and efficiency. They’ll both have their work cut out for them in training camp, competing against a talented Phoenix roster.

Rachel Galligan is a basketball analyst at Just Women’s Sports. A former professional basketball player and collegiate coach, she also contributes to Winsidr. Follow Rachel on Twitter @RachGall.

Cameron Brink already has her rookie of the year pick for the upcoming WNBA season, and it’s Indiana-bound star Caitlin Clark. 

In the latest edition of Kelley on the Street, host Kelley O'Hara caught up with Brink in New York hours before the Stanford phenom went No. 2 overall to the Los Angeles Sparks at the 2024 WNBA Draft. When O’Hara asked who would win the WNBA's rookie of the year, she answered without pause.

"Caitlin Clark," she said, while a fan commented that she thought Brink would take home the award. Brink later added that the extra foul granted to WNBA players will be "good for me."

"I hope it’s me," Charisma Osborne, who was later drafted by the Phoenix Mercury, said when asked her ROY prediction. "But, I don’t know — we’ll see."

Watch more of Kelley on the Street:

Maria Sanchez issued a statement on Thursday, confirming recent reports that she has requested a trade from the Houston Dash. 

In it, she revealed that the club has been aware of the request "since late March."

"This has all taken a toll and isn’t an easy thing to talk about, but I want to confirm that I’ve requested an immediate trade," she wrote. "My expectations and reasons have been clear. I trust that my current club’s management will honor my decision in a timely manner and proceed with accepting a trade."

"I’m eager to refocus and dive back into what I love most: playing football," she concluded.

Thank you, everyone, for the outpouring of kindness and support. pic.twitter.com/gcnN7dhCJU

— Maria Sanchez (@Maria17_7) April 19, 2024

Reports of Sanchez's trade request first surfaced on ESPN last week, and were later confirmed by multiple sources. 

In December of last year, Sanchez signed a three-year contract with the Dash valued at $1.5 million including bonuses and an option year. It was the largest contract in NWSL history at the time — a figure that would be eclipsed by multiple contracts in the following months. 

Sanchez spent the offseason as a restricted free agent, meaning that Houston could match any other team's offer to retain her rights. Should the Dash trade Sanchez, her current contract terms would remain intact, limiting potential buyers to teams able to afford to take on an inking of that size.

The Dash has yet to address the trade, instead reiterating to ESPN that Sanchez is "under contract, a choice she made in free agency at the end of 2023." 

Both the NWSL trade window and transfer window close tonight, April 19th, at 12 a.m. ET. The window will stay closed through the next 11 regular season games, reopening on August 1st, 2024.

The four-time league champion Seattle Storm unveiled their new practice facility on Thursday, with Storm co-owner Lisa Brummel dubbing Interbay's Seattle Storm Center for Basketball Performance the team’s "new home."

"It's just such a special space," Brummel told Fox 13 Seattle. "I think when the players get here, it's gonna be overwhelming."

The sprawling 50,000-square-foot, $64 million property is just the second designated practice facility to be designed and built expressly for a WNBA team, with the Storm further noting that 85% of all design and engineering team members involved in the project's construction were women and people of color. The finished product holds two professional indoor courts, two 3x3 outdoor courts, a state-of-the-art locker room, and players' lounge, plus designated areas for strength and conditioning, kitchen, dining, and nutrition, and recovery. 

"This facility reflects our commitment to providing our athletes an exceptional environment that supports their growth, health, and performance," said Storm co-owner Ginny Gilder in an official team release. "It’s built for women, by women, embodying our dedication to leading the way in professional women’s sports."

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For their part, the team can't wait to make the faciilty their own.

"It's amazing," Storm guard Jewell Loyd told Fox 13. "Not having to drive everywhere around, knowing you have access anytime of the day to get into the gym, to workout." 

Head coach Noelle Quinn said she predicts the team is "never going to leave this building."

"Which is a good thing for me," she continued. "You talk about having an edge in performance. We want our athletes to not only perform on the court, but get whatever they need."

All of the Storm's staff and operations will now live under one roof, and the team also has plans to launch a youth basketball program operating out of the building.

The Caitlin Clark effect is quickly making its mark on the big leagues, as WNBA host teams around the country rush to upgrade their Fever games to larger arenas in order to accommodate surging ticket sales.

With Clark mere weeks away from her Indiana Fever debut, both the Las Vegas Aces and Washington Mystics have officially relocated their scheduled home games with head coach Christie Sides' squad. On Thursday, the Mystics became the latest to adjust their plans, moving their June 7th matchup from Entertainment & Sports Arena in Southwest DC to the more centrally located — and much larger — Capital One Arena "due to unprecedented demand."

The Mystics home court's capacity taps out at 4,200, while Capital One Arena — home to the Wizards, Capitals, and Georgetown Hoya's Men's Basketball — can fit nearly five times that crowd at some 20,000 spectators.

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"The move to Capital One Arena will allow for additional fans in the stands as well as premium hospitality options, including Suites and the all-new all-inclusive courtside Hennessy Lofts," the team announced via Thursday's press release.

The Aces were one of the first teams to switch venues, aiming to take on the Indiana Fever in front of as many as 20,000 fans inside T-Mobile Arena on July 2nd. That’s a sizable a boost from their home venue, which holds just 12,000.

For those still planning to face the Fever in their home arenas, ticket prices have skyrocketed. Previously scheduled construction has already forced the LA Sparks to relocate their first five games — including their May 24th clash with the Fever — to Long Beach State's Walter Pyramid. The temporary venue is quite the downsize, holding just 4,000 in comparison to Crypto.com Arena's near-19,000. As of Friday, the get-in price for that game started around $400.

Despite fans launching a Change.org petition urging relocation, the Chicago Sky say they're unable to move their June 23rd Fever meeting from Wintrust Arena's 10,000-seat facility to the 23,500-seat United Center due to a concert. Tickets for that game start around $325 as of Friday.