Azurá Stevens is headed to the Los Angeles Sparks. Per Winsidr’s Rachel Galligan, Stevens is the latest member of the Chicago Sky to depart this offseason, joining Candace Parker (LVA) and Courtney Vandersloot (TBD). She’s the latest addition to Curt Miller’s frontcourt, joining Nneka Ogwumike, Chiney Ogwumike, and the recently acquired Dearica Hamby, in what is shaping up to be a formidable rotation of forwards.
Stevens, 26, was one of the most promising and sought-after unrestricted free agents this offseason. A stretch four, Stevens is a versatile and fierce defender with the ability to stretch the floor offensively and score.
Stevens was drafted sixth overall by Dallas in the 2018 draft. The Pawtucket, Rhode Island, native attended Duke for two seasons before transferring to UConn ahead of her junior year. She declared for the draft after her junior season and was a professional months later.
Stevens played two seasons with the Wings, displaying immense potential with a franchise in flux. She played just nine games in an injury-plagued 2019 after being named to the All-Rookie First Team in 2018. In February of 2020, Chicago traded for Stevens, sending Katie Lou Samuelson and a 2021 first-round pick to the Wings.
Stevens averaged a career-high 11.5 points in 2020, playing over 27.0 minutes per game and swatting 1.8 shots. Though her numbers took a step back in 2021, Stevens’ impact was immense on a Sky team that brought the WNBA Finals trophy to Chicago for the first time ever. Stevens, who will turn 27 prior to the 2023 season, put up another strong showing in 2022, averaging 10.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 21.9 minutes per game.
