The Connecticut Sun finalized their 12-player roster Thursday by waiving rookie guard Natisha Hiedeman.

The Sun return nine players from last season — guards Jasmine Thomas, Courtney Williams, Rachel Banham and Layshia Clarendon, wing Shekinna Stricklen, forwards Alyssa Thomas and Morgan Tuck, post Jonquel Jones and center Brionna Jones.

Guard Bria Holmes of New Haven is among Connecticut’s three newcomers. She was traded to the Sun last year, but missed the 2018 season due to pregnancy. Post Kristine Anigwe, Connecticut’s first-round pick (ninth overall) in April out of California, joins the team, as does wing Bridget Carleton, who was drafted in the second round (21st) out of Iowa State.

Hiedeman was acquired during April’s draft as part of a trade with the Minnesota Lynx. Minnesota drafted her in the second round (18th), and sent her to the Sun in exchange for second-year guard Lexie Brown, Connecticut’s number one pick last year.

Brown made the Lynx’s final roster.

The Sun open the regular season at home Saturday night against the Washington Mystics at Mohegan Sun Arena (7:30).

— Ned Griffen