Diamond Deshields, an American professional basketball player, is a free agent after the Connecticut Sun waived her on May 15, 2025. She plays the shooting guard position.
She grew up in an athletic household. Her father played Major League Baseball, and her mother was named an All-American heptathlete.
Diamond Danae-Aziza DeShields was part of three state championship teams at Norcross High School. She set an Atlantic Coast Conference record for points scored by a freshman while playing for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
However, she transferred to the University of Tennessee and was chosen for the first team of the All-Southeastern Conference.
She played for the Çukurova Basketbol of the Turkish Super League before the Chicago Sky drafted her with the third pick of the 2018 WNBA draft.
Diamond was named to the All-Rookie Team and the WNBA All-Star in 2019. Her team won the 2021 WNBA Finals, winning the series in four games against the Phoenix Mercury.
During an interview in May 2022, she shared that she had removed a tumor in her spine and wasn’t sure whether she would be able to return to play.
I always had to check my emotions. Cause whenever I got emotional, I would start to have tremors. And these were good emotions or bad emotions, if I was happy or if I was crying. So I was always just trying to be even-keel, especially when I was around people.
Diamond Deshields
After recovering from her severe injury, she played for the Phoenix Mercury in 2022, the Dallas Wings in 2023, the Chicago Sky in 2024, and the Connecticut Sun in 2025.
Diamond Deshields Was Waived Before The Start Of The 2025 WNBA Season
The Connecticut Sun announced on May 15 that they had waived Diamond DeShields just before the start of the 2025 WNBA season.
The decision came as the Sun finalized their roster, making her their final cut ahead of opening night.
Roster update: Diamond DeShields has been waived by the Connecticut Sun. pic.twitter.com/fjsGrv2REU
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) May 15, 2025
Diamond signed a one-year contract with the Sun on February 3, 2025. Her arrival was a key team addition after losing many of its players in free agency.
We are thrilled to welcome Diamond to the Connecticut Sun. Her wealth of experience and resilience through her career speaks to her exceptional character, dedication and passion for the game. As a veteran in our league with championship experience, she brings a level of leadership, versatility, and competitiveness that will be invaluable both on and off the court.
Morgan Tuck
However, Diamond experienced many setbacks throughout her time with the Sun. Due to an ankle injury, she missed most of training camp and did not play in the team’s two preseason games.
The Sun ultimately opted to move forward without her, with limited opportunity to prove her fit.
She was one of only five players on the roster with more than three years of WNBA experience and was expected to provide leadership and scoring off the bench.
Her release makes the Sun even thinner regarding veteran presence, raising questions about how the team will navigate the competitive Eastern Conference.
Furthermore, Diamond made headlines in August 2024 for a hard foul on Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark. It sparked widespread debate about physicality and player safety in the WNBA.
She had received significant backlash online. While it’s unclear whether this incident played any role in the Sun’s decision, it remains a notable moment in her recent career.
Nonetheless, the 30-year-old is still a capable scorer and defender when healthy. Her championship experience and versatility make her an attractive option for teams needing backcourt depth.
Her abrupt exit from the Sun marks another twist in her career, and her future in the WNBA remains uncertain.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Diamond Danae-Aziza DeShields, the daughter of Delino DeShields and Tisha, was born on March 5, 1995, in West Palm Beach, Florida.
- She grew up with her brother, Delino DeShields, and has a paternal half-brother and two paternal half-sisters.
- As of 2025, she is likely single and focused on her athletic career.
