Struggling Shock Ships Braxton to Phoenix

Originally Published: Jul 23, 2010 2:31 PM CDT

Oklahoma Sports Staff and Wire Reports

TULSA, Oklahoma -- The Tulsa Shock continues to search for a way to rebound from a disappointing 4-18 start to the season by trading veteran Kara Braxton in exchange for the Phoenix Mercury’s Nicole Ohlde and the first-round pick in next year’s draft.

Braxton was just one of two players, including Alexis Hornbuckle, remaining on the Shock roster from before the team’s relocation from Detroit. Five players from Tulsa's opening night roster are no longer with the team.

Ohlde brings six years of play in the WNBA to the Shock. She averaged 8.8 points and 4.7 rebounds over her career, but only produced an average of three points and about two rebounds this season for the Mercury.

Braxton led the Shock with 18 points against the Mercury in Wednesday's record-setting 123-91 loss. She dressed and left the locker room before reporters were able to ask her any postgame questions. She waived to some of the Shock fans as she left the arena.

In four games against Tulsa this season, the Mercury has outscored the Shock by 87 combined points. Phoenix has done most of its damage this season against Tulsa, picking up four of their nine wins against Nolan Richardson's team.

Ohlde scored eight points and grabbed eight rebounds against the Shock on Wednesday night.