WNBA Free Agency Frenzy
Who won and who lost on day one.
Photo credit: @seattlestorm on X.
Day one of WNBA free agency gave us all the sweet delicious drama we asked for though I couldn’t help but think “all these moves just to beat A’ja Wilson???” But alas, this piece is not about that. It’s about sorting out who won day one so let’s get into it.
Oh Y’all Not Playin Around, Huh?
This first category could technically be called the winners of free agency. The teams that made moves to take their teams from life support to formidable contenders.There were a few teams in this category in no particular order.
Atlanta Dream - The Dream got busy and acquired the REAL MIP of last year Jordin Canada in a trade for Aari McDonald. They also signed Aerial Powers and Tina Charles. These moves address pretty much every offseason concern for the Dream with the most important being GET CHEYENNE PARKER SOME HELP! The Dream now have some depth and a ton of experience should head coach Tanisha Wright stick with the read and react offense. Atlanta took a huge step towards becoming the title contender they have the potential to be.
Seattle Storm - Simply put, the Storm won the Skylar Diggins-Smith Sweepstakes. Diggins-Smith signed a two-year contract with the Storm and will be reunited with fellow Notre Dame star Jewell Loyd. Seattle traded their No. 4 pick along with Kia Nurse to the Los Angeles Sparks so they won’t get to draft a big name this year. Still, the signing of the 2X All-WNBA First teamer takes the Storm from the outside looking in, to the inside having fun. They’re still a few pieces away from being a true contender, BUT certainly heading in the right direction.
Dallas Wings - Dallas locked Satou Sabally and Kalani Brown down and I thank God because I could not take another year watching Greg Bibb use multiple first-round picks to draft names he picked out of a hat. I’m tired, America. The Wings were a huge threat last season and should get better this year.
Las Vegas Aces - CORNER THREE KIAH STOKES IS BACK! Las Vegas re-signed the UConn legend as well as noted Sabrina stopper Syd Colson. The Aces also won the Iowa Caucus, signing former Hawkeye Meg Gustafson. The queen of the Mikan drill will be able to give the Aces some quality minutes off the bench. All eyes are on Candace Parker now.
Phoenix Mercury - The Mercury signed former Washington Mystic Natasha Cloud and could see a playoff appearance in the immediate future. Cloud brings championship experience and defensive prowess to complement the ever aging Diana Tarausi and the scoring punch to help ease the load of Brittney Griner. Cloud apparently told Holly Rowe that she believes she fits in with the “spicy personalities” on the team. Since one of those personalities is Sophie Cunningham and they seemingly are on opposite ends of the spectrum politically, I’m curious to see how this will turn out.
Girl, I Guess.
Now this next tier is of teams that I can sort of see the vision, but there’s still something missing.
Washington Mystics - DiDi Richards will make her return to the W for the Mystics and that would be great…if they didn’t just lose one of their leading scorers and the primary offseason concern was once again scoring. Emily Engstler was signed to a training camp contract and like…again, solid pickup that doesn’t address the need. Karlie Samuelson was also signed and I think Washington is just going to try and hold every team to 20 points while scoring 25.
Los Angeles Sparks - The Derek Fisher de-build is complete as Nneka Ogwumike is on the move. The Sparks seem to be going all in on the youth movement after acquiring the No. 4 pick from Seattle to go along with the No. 2 and No.8 picks. I like the idea of going all in on this year’s draft and unlike Greg Bibb, I don’t think they’ll make a whole bunch of picks that don’t make sense. Still have to see what happens draft night though.
Minnesota Lynx - The Lynx acquired Natisha Hiedeman in a trade for Tiffany Mitchell and I wasn’t really feeling it. Then they announced the signing of Courtney Williams and Alanna Smith and I was on board. They still have a first-round draft pick and can get a big, so stay tuned to see how things shake out.
Is Everything Alright Over There?
Name is pretty self-explanatory and it was really just one team that made me ask that.
Chicago Sky - Another year, another exodus of players. This comes after the fusion of energy and optimism that followed the announcement of Teresa Weatherspoon as head coach and Dwayne Wade joining the ownership group. I’m not sure what’s happening, but I will keep them lifted in prayer.