Erin Phillips traded to Indiana Fever

Australian Opals point guard Erin Phillips has been traded from WNBA club the Seattle Storm to the Indiana Fever ahead of the WNBA season which is set to tip-off in a month’s time.

The trade will also see a 2012 third-round draft pick head to the Fever as part of a three-team deal with the Seattle Storm and Washington Mystics. In exchange for Phillips, who signed a free agent contract with Seattle on February 9, the Fever dealt 2012 draft picks to each of the Storm and Mystics.

“The opportunity to acquire Erin Phillips is significant for our team,” said Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Kelly Krauskopf.

“She is a strong combo guard who brings quality depth to our point guard and off-guard positions. She is a young but experienced player in the WNBA and internationally. I am thrilled to be adding her to our backcourt.”

Besides Phillips’ arrival in Indy, the three-team trade features Seattle sending first-round draft pick Jasmine Thomas and its 2012 first-round pick to Washington, in exchange for veteran All-Star Katie Smith and second-year forward Jacinta Monroe. Indiana dealt for Phillips and the Storm’s third-round selection in 2012 by dealing its 2012 second-round pick to Seattle and its third-round pick to Washington.

To make room for Phillips on its training camp roster, the Fever waived 2011 third-round pick Jori Davis.