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The New York Liberty have acquired Amanda Zahui B from the Dallas Wings. As a part of the trade, the Liberty also gets Dallas' 2017 second round pick and New York is sending their 2017 first round pick to Dallas.
With a trade like this, head coach Bill Laimbeer was not focused on only this upcoming season, however for the Liberty franchise.
"With the addition of Amanda Zahui B, we have addressed our needs in the frontcourt not only for this season, but for the future of the franchise. Amanda is an exceptional talent, and at 6-5, her offensive abilities are unique for a player her size."
Bringing Zahui B on board also will help New York on both sides of the ball. Laimbeer expressed in the team's release that he feels she not only makes the Liberty "a more dynamic team on the offensive end," but because of their defensive identity she has the "skills as an interior defender," which will complement the defensive schemes already in place.
New York fans on social media have already began to give Zahui B their words of welcoming and she is looking forward to not only joining the team, but also appreciating her time with the Dallas Wings (Tulsa Shock last season).
#AllGlorytoGod pic.twitter.com/KzbewDxvRA
— Amanda Zahui B. (@AmandaZahuiB) May 11, 2016
In her rookie season, she averaged 3.4 points and 2.4 rebounds per game in the 31 games she appeared in. Last year Zahui B showed her ability to knock down the three-point shot (33.3% last season) and block shots. She has a career-high five blocks which she got against San Antonio on June 14th last season.
Zahui B, a Swedish national, entered the WNBA a year early after playing only three seasons at the University of Minnesota. While playing for the Gophers, she was named the 2015 Big Ten Player of the Year and first-team associated press All-American the same year.
New York and Dallas will play each other early in the season. In fact, the home opener for the Liberty will be against the Wings on May 15th at Madison Square Garden, where tip-off is set for 5 p.m EST.