3 huge winners, 2 losers from WNBA free company (to date)

The whole WNBA panorama has dramatically shifted over the previous 10 days, with a number of the league’s high gamers switching groups (shoutout Alyssa Thomas, Kelsey Plum, Jewell Loyd, and Satou Sabally) and a few groups utterly resetting their rosters, just like the Connecticut Solar and the Phoenix Mercury.

Rosters nonetheless aren’t set forward of subsequent season — and we nonetheless obtained an entire WNBA draft between now and tip-off — however let’s take an early take a look at the winners and losers of WNBA free company.

Winner: Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever

The Fever entered free company in a great place — recent off their first playoff look since 2016 and with Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston headlining what’s nearly actually the most effective younger core within the league. However issues solely look higher right here in early February — they managed to re-sign scoring powerhouse Kelsey Mitchell, commerce for 3&D wing Sophie Cunningham, add former Defensive Participant of the 12 months Natasha Howard, and signed veteran guard DeWanna Bonner.

These are three nice acquisitions — particularly Bonner, who’s recent off of one other All-Star season. And, with embellished head coach Stephanie White on the helm, the Fever are well-positioned to place all of it collectively. Oh, and so they introduced they have been constructing what would be the largest state-of-the-art apply facility within the league.

Clark’s first offseason within the WNBA has been a masterclass by her entrance workplace on how one can capitalize on the restricted window of getting a generational expertise. Different entrance places of work ought to take notes.

Loser: The Golden State Valkyries

The Valkyries — the WNBA’s latest franchise — have seemingly struck out on the most important targets in free company. In flip, it seems they should roll with the roster they chose in December’s growth draft. For a second there, Golden State appeared like a believable vacation spot for Kelsey Plum. However, Plum as a substitute was traded to Los Angeles to grow to be the face of the Sparks franchise. Evidently free brokers have been reticent about signing with the league’s 2025 growth staff, regardless of the brand-new services and important funding from possession. 2026 will give them one other chunk on the apple, however subsequent yr’s roster doesn’t at the moment function any already-established stars.

Winner: Alyssa Thomas and the Phoenix Mercury

The Mercury utterly shook up final yr’s staff — buying and selling away Natasha Cloud and Rebecca Allen (Connecticut) and Sophie Cunningham (Indiana), and seeing Brittney Griner stroll away in free company to Atlanta. However, the shakeup may’ve been wanted, as final yr’s staff underperformed and was swept within the first spherical of the playoffs. Phoenix acquired each Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally through commerce — two of the highest gamers within the WNBA — who will kind a brand new Large 3 alongside Kahleah Copper.

Picture by David Berding/Getty Photos

Thomas and Sabally have been two of the highest gamers available on the market, so to amass each is a large win in and of itself. And, whereas how the brand new trio will mesh stays to be seen, in Sabally, Thomas, and Copper, they’ve three offensive engines who’re additionally threats on each ends. And, for Thomas and Sabally, who so far haven’t performed for organizations with their very own apply services, becoming a member of the Mercury can even function a life-style enhance.

Loser: Connecticut Solar followers

Subsequent yr’s Connecticut Solar received’t resemble final yr’s elite squad. The dynamic backcourt of DiJonai Carrington and Ty Harris will play for the Dallas Wings subsequent season, Alyssa Thomas for the Mercury, DeWanna Bonner for the Indiana Fever, and Brionna Jones for the Atlanta Dream. Even backup level guard Veronica Burton received’t be a Solar subsequent season after she was chosen within the Valkyries’ growth draft.

Subsequent yr’s roster does have some promising gamers — the league’s all-time rebounding chief, Tina Charles, signed the Solar, Marina Mabrey will likely be again for a second season, and Natasha Cloud is an electrical guard and an elite defender. Connecticut additionally signed Diamond DeShields and purchased Lindsay Allen from the Chicago Sky — and has a number of open roster spots that will likely be stuffed.

Many anticipated the brand new period to be highlighted by Carrington, who’s recent off of a Most Improved Participant award. Carrington, a tenacious defender and rising star, was despatched to Dallas, offering one other blow.

Winner: Jewell Loyd (and the Las Vegas Aces)

Jewell Loyd requested a commerce from the Storm after spending her complete profession in Seattle. And, as such, she may have landed anyplace. However, Loyd ended up in one of many WNBA’s premier organizations, the place she’ll be part of forces with fellow Staff USA teammates A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Grey, and Jackie Younger. The Aces have one of many league’s most well-respected coaches in Becky Hammon, their very personal apply facility, and substantial funding from possession and the town of Las Vegas. Loyd will nonetheless get loads of offensive alternatives, however taking part in alongside the three-time MVP in Wilson, she undoubtedly received’t be capable to draw the identical kind of defensive strain she confronted in Seattle.

Picture by David Becker/NBAE through Getty Photos

The commerce can be a serious win for the Aces, who didn’t have a slam-dunk free company however nonetheless enter 2025 in good condition. Contemplating that Kelsey Plum wished to enter a brand new chapter of her profession, getting Jewell Loyd in return was nearly as good of a return as Las Vegas may have realistically hoped for. Loyd is without doubt one of the league’s elite scorers, and at her greatest, she could possibly be an improve over Plum. Now, the Aces will hope they will re-sign the 2024 Sixth Participant of the 12 months Tiffany Hayes.