WNBA Minnesota Lynx

Minnesota Lynx Lose Forward Kristen Mann to Atlanta Dream in 2008 Expansion Draft

Published on February 6, 2008 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Minnesota Lynx News Release


MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL - The WNBA today announced that the Atlanta Dream has selected Minnesota Lynx forward Kristen Mann in the 2008 WNBA Expansion Draft.

"Even though we knew going into the draft that one of our players would be selected, it's still disappointing to lose Kristen because she was such a big contributor to our team," said Lynx Head Coach Don Zierden. "We are sorry to see her go, but wish her the best of luck in Atlanta."

Mann, a three-year WNBA veteran, was selected by the Lynx in the first round (11th overall) in the 2005 WNBA Draft. In her three seasons with Minnesota, she averaged 6.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game in 91 contests. In 2007, Mann averaged a career-best 7.6 points and 3.6 rebounds while playing in all 34 regular-season games. She also ranked 24th in the WNBA in three-point accuracy (34.9 percent) and second in steal-to-turnover ratio (1.15-to-1).

A former standout at UC-Santa Barbara, Mann was an Associated Press All-American honorable mention and Big West Conference Player of the Year in 2005. She closed out her collegiate career at No. 3 on the Gauchos' all-time scoring list with 1,700 points, No. 2 in scoring average (14.9 ppg) and field goals made (670), and No. 1 in field goal attempts (1,513).

Mann is the fourth Lynx player to be chosen in a WNBA expansion draft. The Seattle Storm selected Lynx players Angela Aycock (third round, 10th overall) and Charmin Smith (sixth round, 23rd overall) in the 2000 WNBA Expansion Draft. The Chicago Sky selected Lynx forward Stacey Lovelace in the 2006 WNBA Expansion Draft.

The Lynx roster now stands at 13 players. Minnesota holds the third overall pick in the first round of the 2008 WNBA Draft. The Lynx acquired the No. 3 pick in the WNBA Draft Lottery that was held on Oct. 23. The 2008 WNBA Draft will be held in April in Tampa, Fla.

The Atlanta Dream, the newest WNBA franchise, which joins the league in 2008, selected from a pool of available players as determined by each of the other 13 WNBA franchises. Each team submitted a maximum of six players who were "protected" and therefore not eligible for selection in the Expansion Draft. Atlanta had the option to choose one player from each team without regard to current contract status, provided they pick no more than one unrestricted free agent. The Dream now has the right to designate that unrestricted free agent - Betty Lennox - as a "core" player, giving the team exclusive negotiating rights to her in exchange for an offer of a one-year, fully guaranteed contract at the maximum salary.

Additionally, Atlanta immediately orchestrated three trades involving players in the expansion draft. The Dream traded the fourth overall pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft and guard Roneeka Hodges to Seattle in exchange for the eighth pick in the draft and veteran guard Iziane Castro Marques. They also traded the 18th draft pick and forward LaToya Thomas to Detroit in exchange for second-year guard Ivory Latta. In the third trade, the Dream acquired the 24th overall draft pick from Indiana, in exchange for agreeing not to select specific unprotected Fever players.

The Minnesota Lynx will celebrate their 10th season in 2008. Season and group tickets are on sale now for this historic season. Be a part of the celebration by calling 612-673-8400, e-mailing tickets@lynxbasketball.com or visiting www.lynxbasketball.com.

2008 WNBA Expansion Draft Results

Pos. Player 2007 WNBA Team

F Carla Thomas Chicago Sky

F/C Erika de Souza Connecticut Sun

C Katie Feenstra Detroit Shock

G Roneeka Hodges# Houston Comets

G/F Ann Strother Indiana Fever

F LaToya Thomas^ Los Angeles Sparks

F Kristen Mann Minnesota Lynx

C Ann Wauters New York Liberty

F Jennifer Lacy Phoenix Mercury

G Kristen Haynie Sacramento Monarchs

C Chantelle Anderson San Antonio Silver Stars

G Betty Lennox* Seattle Storm

C Yelena Leuchanka Washington Mystics

* Denotes an unrestricted free agent, meaning that Atlanta may designate the player a "core" player, giving the team exclusive negotiating rights to her in exchange for an offer of a one-year, fully guaranteed contract at the maximum salary.

# Hodges was selected from Houston and then traded to Seattle along with the 4th pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft in exchange for Castro Marques and the 8th overall pick in the draft.

^ Thomas was selected from Los Angeles and traded to Detroit along with the 18th overall pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft in exchange for Latta.

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