Auburn Hills, MI - The Detroit Shock announced today that the team has acquired Crystal Kelly from the Sacramento Monarchs in exchange for guard Kristin Haynie.
“In acquiring Crystal Kelly we add a solid young player to our post rotation who comes with a reputation of not only being a skilled player, but a smart one as well,” said Detroit Shock General Manager Cheryl Reeve. “We are in need of a post that can spell Taj McWilliams as she has been logging heavy minutes at the 4 position.”
In 22 games (three starts) this season, the second-year forward is averaging 4.3 points and 1.7 rebounds in 12.3 minutes per game.
Kelly was acquired by the Monarchs as a free agent on May 18, 2008, after being originally selected by the Houston Comets in the third round of the 2008 WNBA Draft (31st overall).
Kelly played in 33 games (four starts) as a rookie last season averaging 7.4 ppg and 3.3 rpg in 16.7 mpg. She scored a career-high 18 points at Minnesota (6/12/08), and ranked second on the team in free throw percentage.
In 20 games (two starts) this season with the Shock, Haynie averaged 2.2 points and 1.3 rebounds in 8.1 minutes per game.
“This trade is a good trade for both the Shock and Kristin Haynie,” said Reeve. “We've thoroughly enjoyed having Kristin on the Shock but know that Kristin wanted to be on the court more often. The return to Sacramento reunites her with former teammates and coaches and puts her in a better situation relative to playing time. We thank Kristin for her efforts in Detroit.”
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