The Sky have acquired WNBA All-Star Shameka Christon and Cathrine Kraayeveld in a blockbuster three-team trade. The Sky have sent Candice Dupree to the Phoenix Mercury and the Mercury sent Marshall High School Alum Cappie Pondexter to the New York Liberty. The Liberty will also get the Sky’s 2010 second round draft pick.

“We are thrilled about this trade because it dramatically increases the depth of the Sky starting line-up, expands our shooting range and enhances our overall defensive intensity,” said Key. “We hate to lose Candice, but through this trade we are able to acquire All-Star Shameka Christon and established WNBA starter Cathrine Kraayeveld, replacing one experienced athlete with two. This sort of depth will be a great addition to our current roster which includes WNBA All-Stars Sylvia Fowles and Jia Perkins.”

Christon, a WNBA All-Star in 2009, averaged 16.1 points and 4.9 rebounds in 32 minutes per game for the Liberty. At 6-feet 1-inches tall Christon is an impressive shooter, she shot 40.2% from the field and 38.2% from 3-point range. The six year WNBA veteran’s all-star appearance was the first of her career. Kraayeveld, a 6-foot 4-inch forward, averaged 9 points and 4.6 rebounds in 26 minutes per game for the Liberty in 2009. Kraayeveld is a well respected defensive presence around the league and is an accomplished 3-point shooter. Last season she shot 42% from 3-point range and has shot 38.7% throughout her five year WNBA career.As a restricted free-agent, Dupree had to approve the trade. She will head to Phoenix to join the defending WNBA Champions and the 2009 WNBA MVP, Diana Taurasi.