Sparks Deal Wideman; Layden Out

The Sparks traded one of their most popular players, guard Jamila Wideman, to the Cleveland Rockers on Monday for another guard, Jennifer Howard, who was promptly waived.

Wideman was the club’s first draft pick in 1997, after she had helped Stanford to the Final Four. She was a starter her rookie season, but was caught in a numbers game this season. Veteran Penny Toler came to camp as the returning point guard starter, but was beaten out by rookie Ukari Figgs. Then the club signed Yugoslav Gordana Grubin.

The Sparks also waived veteran forward Sandra VanEmbricqs, who had been on the injured list along with Wideman.