What happened: Four losses separated eighth place from three pursuers at the All-Star break. The trade window closes at 3 p.m. ET Sunday.
Why it matters: The lottery uses two-year records, linking second-half results to 2027 draft position. Salary pressure also raises the stakes for contenders weighing midseason moves.
By the numbers: Eight in-season trades occurred over the previous two seasons, underscoring how rarely WNBA teams reshape rosters during a campaign.
What to watch: Watch whether deadline moves change the playoff cutoff before the regular season resumes its final stretch.