New Jersey 5s Make Big Move: Major League Pickleball saw a significant roster shakeup on Wednesday as the New Jersey 5s traded Genie Bouchard to the Phoenix Flames in exchange for Meghan Dizon. This move comes just days after Bouchard was drafted eighth overall, raising questions about the 5s’ strategy and the Flames’ future competitiveness.
Trade Details and Team Roster Updates
The trade was officially announced by Major League Pickleball (MLP) on social media, confirming that New Jersey acquired Meghan Dizon, while Phoenix gained Genie Bouchard and cash considerations. This move has altered both teams’ rosters, impacting their lineups for the upcoming season.
Updated Rosters:
New Jersey 5s: Anna Leigh Waters, Meghan Dizon, Christa Gecheva, Zane Navratil, Will Howells, Craig Johnson
Phoenix Flames: Jack Sock, Tyson McGuffin, Pesa Teoni, Jessie Irvine, Genie Bouchard, Alex Walker
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New Jersey 5s Strengthen Their Lineup
New Jersey quickly moved on from their decision to draft Genie Bouchard, opting to trade her for a more established player in Meghan Dizon. This trade provides stability to their roster and improves their doubles pairings.
Women’s Doubles Pairing Improves
Anna Leigh Waters can now play on the left side, where she excels, while Meghan Dizon covers the right. This adjustment strengthens their women’s doubles team, making them more competitive.
Strong Mixed Doubles Pairings
The 5s are expected to keep the successful Anna Leigh Waters and Will Howells pairing in mixed doubles. Zane Navratil will likely team up with Meghan Dizon, returning to his preferred left-side position.
Past Performance and Expectations
Despite a mixed 2024 MLP season with the Columbus Sliders and Orlando Squeeze, Meghan Dizon has shown promise in early 2025, reaching women’s doubles semifinals in Tucson and Mesa. This trade solidifies the New Jersey 5s as strong contenders for the title.
Phoenix Flames Add Star Power Over Strategy
While the Phoenix Flames gained a high-profile player in Genie Bouchard, the trade raises concerns about their competitive strength. The team seems more focused on marketing appeal rather than building a winning roster.
Roster Changes and Questionable Moves
Before this trade, Phoenix had a solid roster with Andrei Daescu, Tyson McGuffin, Meghan Dizon, and Jessie Irvine. Daescu and McGuffin were a strong men’s doubles pair, while Dizon and Irvine provided valuable depth in the female lineup. However, the Flames have since traded both Andrei Daescu and Meghan Dizon, replacing them with Jack Sock and Genie Bouchard.
Doubles Pairings Outlook
- Men’s Doubles: Jack Sock and Tyson McGuffin are expected to be a strong, entertaining duo.
- Women’s Doubles: Genie Bouchard and Jessie Irvine may struggle against top-tier opponents.
- Mixed Doubles: Tyson McGuffin and Jessie Irvine could be competitive, but Jack Sock and Genie Bouchard may face challenges.
Financial Considerations and Marketing Appeal
The Phoenix Flames’ recent trades suggest a shift toward financial incentives rather than championship ambitions. Genie Bouchard and Jack Sock are two of the most recognizable names in racket sports, making them valuable for sponsorship deals and media attention.
Future Impact of the Trade
This trade positions the New Jersey 5s as a serious title contender, while the Phoenix Flames’ competitiveness remains uncertain. Meghan Dizon’s addition strengthens New Jersey’s doubles strategy, while Phoenix gains a marketable but unproven player in Genie Bouchard. The 2025 season will reveal whether Phoenix’s gamble pays off or weakens their chances.
News in Brief: New Jersey 5s Make Big Move
Major League Pickleball announced a major trade, sending Genie Bouchard to the Phoenix Flames and Meghan Dizon to the New Jersey 5s. This move strengthens New Jersey’s lineup but raises questions about Phoenix’s competitive future. While Phoenix gains star power, New Jersey is now in a stronger position for the 2025 season.
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