The reigning champions have been fairly quiet in free company, whereas among the WNBA’s greatest stars performed musical chairs.
The Liberty had plans to run it again with most of their championship core nonetheless intact.
Satou Sabally wanting out of Dallas made her an intriguing prospect for New York, however finally she was traded to the Phoenix Mercury.
The Liberty have misplaced two gamers since profitable the title in October. Kayla Thornton was chosen within the growth drafted by the Golden State Valkyries, and Courtney Vandersloot signed with the Chicago Sky this week.
However the Liberty re-signed Kennedy Burke, and he or she and Nyara Sabally — the youthful sister of Satou Sabally — count on to have greater roles in 2025.
Breanna Stewart, whom the Liberty designated as a core participant, additionally plans to affix Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton within the Liberty’s quest for back-to-back titles.
Free brokers have been free to satisfy with groups since Jan. 21, although the signing interval didn’t open till Saturday. The primary few days introduced trades, drama and a few surprises.
Listed here are 5 different takeaways:
Mercury huge wins
The Mercury might have misplaced Brittney Griner to the Atlanta Dream in a free company shocker, and Diana Taurasi is weighing retirement, however Phoenix did handle so as to add two high 10 free brokers.
The Mercury pulled off blockbuster offers to accumulate Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas and managed to get each gamers whereas retaining their 2024 main scorer, Kahleah Copper. The addition of Sabally and Thomas makes Phoenix one of many WNBA’s most intriguing groups for this season and past.
The Mercury haven’t received a title since 2014, however they look like on an upward trajectory.
Atlanta made Dream additions
The Dream have lengthy struggled to draw perennial stars, however they landed their greatest free agent acquisition in franchise historical past with Griner.
Who noticed that coming?
The Dream additionally added Brionna Jones and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough.
Rhyne Howard and Allisha Grey, Atlanta’s main scorers for the previous two seasons, are additionally anticipated again.
The strikes sign a brand new period for the Dream — maybe one which will result in Atlanta’s first WNBA playoff win since 2018.
Fever bolster CC’s help workers
The Fever caught hearth after the Olympic break final 12 months and made it to the playoffs in Caitlin Clark’s first season.
Clark’s confirmed in some methods to be a generational expertise already, however Indiana made some key strikes early in free company to assist shore up the positions round her.
The Fever added six-time All-Star and two-time champion DeWanna Bonner, regular two-way guard Sophie Cunningham and defensive specialist Natasha Howard. Indiana additionally re-signed Kelsey Mitchell and has Aliyah Boston below contract.
Briefly, Indiana is loaded with expertise. The way it all gels is but to be seen, however the additions put the Fever in place for the potential for a deep postseason run in 2025.
Newcomers strike out
Historical past seems more likely to repeat itself with the Valkyries.
The earlier two growth groups — the Atlanta Dream (2008) and Chicago Sky (2006) — mixed for less than 9 wins of their debut seasons.
Primarily based on what’s transpired, the Valkyries would possibly expertise an identical destiny.
Golden State has did not land any of the highest skills on this free company cycle, regardless of having high-end amenities.
The Valkyries had been rumored to be keen on Kelsey Plum, Courtney Vandersloot and Brionna Jones, however all signed elsewhere.
The Valkyries signed seven-year WNBA veteran Monique Billings on Monday. Different gamers whom Golden State picked up within the growth draft contains Kayla Thornton, Temi Fagbenle and Kate Martin.
Solar compelled to overtake
The Connecticut Solar had been on the point of profitable the franchise’s first championship for the higher a part of the previous decade. However after six straight journeys to the WNBA semifinals, together with two WNBA Finals berths, the Solar are experiencing an epic roster overhaul.
All 5 of their starters from final 12 months’s staff have left both by way of requested commerce or in free company. Connecticut additionally needed to substitute coach Stephanie White after she left for the Fever job.
The mass exodus of stars from Connecticut has put a highlight on the Solar’s lack of amenities and funding within the staff.