Alexis Hornbuckle, a four-year WNBA veteran guard, has been traded by the Lynx to Phoenix for a second-round pick in the 2013 WNBA draft.
The Lynx re-signed Hornbuckle, who was a restricted free agent, on Thursday before trading her.
"Alexis was a key member of our championship team last year," said Roger Griffith, the Lynx executive vice president. "Many of her attributes extended beyond the court, as she provided valuable leadership to our team and a winning mentality."
Hornbuckle, as a rookie, was on Detroit's 2008 WNBA championship team. She also played on back-to-back NCAA championship teams at Tennessee in 2007 and '08/
"On the court she plays with a lot of energy and intensity and is a good defender," Griffith said. "Unfortunately for all of us, with our depth at the guard position, theer just wasn't a lot of playing time available [for her]."
Hornbuckle averaged 1.1 points, 1.1 rebounds and 0.6 assists in 7.2 minute per game last season. All those numbers were career lows.
"We think this trade provides her with more of an opportunity," Griffith said, "and that's something she wanted. We thank her for her contributions to our team and wish her nothing but the best in Phoenix."
The Detroit Shock drafted Hornbuckle with the fourth overall pick in the 2008 WNBA draft. In her pro career, she has averaged 4.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 123 games.
