Breanna Stewart, Edwards Impress Fans as Mist Get 1st Unrivaled Win vs. Hamby, Vinyl
Feb 2, 2025
MEDLEY, FLORIDA - JANUARY 17: Breanna Stewart #30 of the Mist controls the ball against the Lunar Owls during the second half at The Mediapro Studio on January 17, 2025 in Medley, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Mist Basketball Club entered Saturday's Unrivaled matchup against Vinyl looking for the first victory in the franchise's history.
Off the backs of Breanna Stewart and Aaliyah Edwards, the team got it done.
SLOOT ➡️ LILI FOR A JUMPER TO GIVE MIST THEIR FIRST WIN 😶🌫️🌫️
Mist entered the final quarter trailing 65-64 but dominated the final quarter, going on a 9-0 run before finishing the job with a 77-67 final score.
Breanna Stewart was the star of the day as she scored 23 points and had 10 rebounds, four assists and three steals. She shot 7-of-14 on field goals, 1-of-2 from three and was a perfect 4-of-4 from the free throw line.
Aaliyah Edwards was anther standout for Mist, scoring a season-high 16 points while adding nine assists. Other solid performers for the club were Jewell Lloyd, Rickea Jackson and Courtney Vandersloot, who had 15, 13 and 10 points respectively.
Fans took to social media to praise Stewart, Edwards and Mist for getting their first win.
Dearica Hamby was the star for Vinyl, scoring 35 points while also securing 15 rebounds. This was the club's third consecutive loss after a 2-0 start to the season.
Mist improves to 1-4 and the club will hope they can carry over momentum from this win. It will be a short rest prior to this, as Mist is back in action on Monday against Phantom Basketball Club. Phantom took the opening match between the two teams 74-69 and are currently 2-3.
COLLEGE PARK, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Satou Sabally #0 of the Dallas Wings looks on against the Atlanta Dream at Gateway Center Arena on September 06, 2024 in College Park, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Saturday was the first day WNBA free agents are eligible to officially sign contracts, and already a flurry of moves have significantly reshaped multiple teams around the league.
The Phoenix Mercury positioned themselves as the early winners of the offseason.
Franchise legend Brittney Griner is out the door, announcing she's signing with the Atlanta Dream. Griner was a 10-time All-Star and seven-time All-Defensive honoree in her 11 seasons with the team.
Phoenix didn't waste any time finding reinforcements.
The Mercury are acquiring Alyssa Thomas from the Connecticut Sun and Satou Sabally from the Dallas Wings. Thomas and Sabally, two of the top free agents on the board, had been designated as core players by their respective teams.
The deal centered around Sabally is of the three-team variety. The Indiana Fever are sending forward NaLyssa Smith to the Dallas Wings, who are also acquiring guard Ty Harris. Harris had gone from Connecticut to Phoenix in the Thomas sign-and-trade. The Fever, meanwhile, are adding wing Sophie Cunningham.
With Griner gone and Diana Taurasi yet to announce a decision about her status for 2025, the Mercury are pivoting toward a new era, one in which Thomas and Sabally will be the leading figures.
The Seattle Storm have likewise closed a chapter in their history.
The Storm announced the completion of the three-team trading resulting in Jewell Loyd's move to the Las Vegas Aces and Kelsey Plum's departure from Vegas for the Los Angeles Sparks.
OFFICIAL TRADE DETAILS 🔄⛈️
In a three-team trade, the Storm receives rights to Li Yueru, the No. 2 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft and the Aces first-round pick in 2026 in exchange for Jewell Loyd, the 2025 No. 9 pick, and a 2026 second-round pick.
Plum won a pair of titles and was a three-time All-Star with the Aces. The Sparks, however, offer her the opportunity to play a starring role that was out of reach as long as she was playing alongside A'ja Wilson.
Assuming Plum simply wanted a change of scenery, Las Vegas couldn't have done much better than replacing her with Loyd, who has been an elite two-way guard. It's not a like-for-like substitution, and there will be an adjustment with Loyd fitting into the offense with Wilson, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray. Still, the upside is obvious.
Loyd was the last member of the Storm's Big Three, which included Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart, that guided the organization to two championships over a three-year span. That doesn't signal a shift in the front office's priorities, though.
ESPN's Chiney Ogwumike announced Saturday that older sister Nneka is returning to Seattle:
Speaking of returns, the Chicago Sky confirmed Courtney Vandersloot is signing with the franchise for whom she played her first 12 years in the WNBA. The 35-year-old is the Sky's all-time leader in assists (2,386) and steals (457), and her 3,671 points trail only Allie Quigley.
Even if Chicago remains a fringe playoff contender in 2025, Vandersloot can be a great locker-room leader for 2024 first-round picks Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso.
Elsewhere, fans in the Northeast became accustomed to seeing the Sun make the playoffs with Curt Miller and then Stephanie White at the helm. Now, those fans will have to adjust to a new reality.
Connecticut is all but guaranteed to be rebuilding.
In addition to Thomas going to Phoenix, three-time All-Star Brionna Jones signed with the Atlanta Dream, and the Sun agreed to trade 2024 Most Improved Player DiJonai Carrington to the Wings, per ESPN's Alexa Philippou.
The Sun are now without four of their five starters from last year, and the fifth, DeWanna Bonner, is an unrestricted free agent. The entire starting lineup might be turning over.
The steady failure from Connecticut's ownership to invest in the franchise's infrastructure might finally be yielding tangible dividends. More and more teams are constructing their own practice facilities, leaving those without a dedicated training facility falling behind the pack.
Just WNBA things! 24 hours before their first playoff game, the Connecticut Sun are finishing practice on a half court to share space with a community center event. pic.twitter.com/0hwKib1RLz
In the meantime, Sun first-year head coach Rachid Meziane and general manager Morgan Tuck have quite a challenge on their hands to capitalize on what's left in free agency.
Report: DiJonai Carrington Traded to Wings from Sun amid 2025 WNBA Free Agency
Feb 1, 2025
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 08: DiJonai Carrington #21 of the Connecticut Sun dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Lynx in the fourth quarter of Game Five of the Semi-Finals during the WNBA Playoffs at Target Center on October 08, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Lynx defeated the Sun 88-77. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
The Dallas Wings are working on a deal to acquire guard DiJonai Carrington and the No. 12 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft from the Connecticut Sun, according to Winsidr's Rachel Galligan and ESPN's Alexa Philippou.
The Sun would receive the No. 8 pick and guard Jacy Sheldon.
The Sun appear to be embracing a total rebuild. They're reportedly sending three-time All-WNBA honoree Alyssa Thomas and Ty Harris to the Phoenix Mercury. Brionna Jones is on her way to the Atlanta Dream. DeWanna Bonner is also an unrestricted free agent.
It's looking increasingly likely Connecticut will have to replace its entire starting five from 2024.
The Sun became a perennial contender under head coaches Curt Miller and Stephanie White. But that success might have papered over larger cracks within the organization that are becoming harder and harder to ignore.
As soon as those players got to see the Unrivaled facilities, it was a wrap for Connecticut. That franchise needs to start investing in improving itself, or the Sun will be set for a long time. The players deserve a new standard of resources and amenities.
The Wings, meanwhile, are looking to lay a strong foundation ahead of what could be a pivotal moment in the long-term direction of the franchise.
Dallas won the 2025 draft lottery, which means gaining the opportunity to pick UConn star Paige Bueckers. Assuming she declares for the draft and doesn't execute a power play to land with a different team, Bueckers is the kind of cornerstone the Wings have lacked ever since their run as the Detroit Shock ended in 2009 and they relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Satou Sabally, Dallas' best player, is joining Thomas in Phoenix, but general manager Curt Miller made the best of his limited trade leverage. Acquiring Harris and Indiana Fever forward NaLyssa Smith was a nice piece of business all things considered.
Now, the Wings are getting the WNBA's Most Improved Player winner and a member of the All-Defensive team from last season. Carrington averaged 12.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 39 appearances with Connecticut.
Carrington will be a great complement in a backcourt that already has Arike Ogunbowale and could include Bueckers. Ogunbowale has never been a great defender, and Bueckers will inevitably struggle at that end of the floor as a rookie.
The Wings now have a player they can match up against an opponent's best scoring threat on the perimeter. They shouldn't finish with the league's worst defensive rating for the second year in a row.
Dallas' offseason hinges largely on what Bueckers decides. Even if the worst-case scenario comes to pass and she doesn't wind up on the Wings, Miller and first-year head coach Chris Koclanes have already addressed one of the roster's biggest flaws.
Report: Satou Sabally Traded to Mercury from Wings in 3-Team WNBA Deal with Fever
Feb 1, 2025
LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 19: Satou Sabally #0 of the Dallas Wings drives to the basket during the game against the Las Vegas Aces on September 19, 2024 at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Ian Maule/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Dallas Wings have traded two-time WNBA All-Star forward Satou Sabally to the Phoenix Mercury as part of a three-team deal also involving the Indiana Fever.
ESPN's Kendra Andrews and Alexa Philippou broke the news and provided more information.
The trade is between the Mercury, Wings and Fever.
Phoenix gets Sabally, Kalani Brown and Sevgi Uzun. Dallas gets Ty Harris, NaLyssa Smith (via Indy) the rights to Mikiah Herbert Harrigan and the No. 8 pick from Indy. Indiana gets Sophie Cunningham and the No. 19 pick. https://t.co/ivlqRcoeJk
Sabally, 26, averaged 17.9 points on 42.6 percent shooting (45.2 percent from three-point range), 6.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.3 steals last year.
Phoenix is just three days removed from another blockbuster trade, when the team added three-time All-WNBA player (and 2024 Olympic gold medalist) Alyssa Thomas from the Connecticut Sun in exchange for Natasha Cloud, Rebecca Allen and the 2025 No. 12 overall pick from the Mercury, per Philippou. Harris went from Connecticut to Phoenix in the deal but is now headed to Dallas.
The Mercury also lost a franchise legend and cornerstone this week when center Brittney Griner, a 10-time WNBA All-Star, three-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time All-WNBA First Team member, left in free agency for the Atlanta Dream.
So Phoenix looks quite different than it did just four days ago. It could possibly see an even bigger change if Diana Taurasi, who has led Phoenix to three WNBA titles during her 20 years in town, decides to retire.
At this point, though, it's abundantly clear that the Mercury are shooting for a championship. Thomas and Sabally join Kahleah Copper, a four-time All-Star and 2024 Olympic gold medalist who just averaged 21.1 points per game. Phoenix is coming off a sluggish 19-21 season that ended with a quick first-round exit, but this team should easily improve in 2025.
The Mercury, of course, have some tough teams to contend with, including the defending WNBA champion New York Liberty, MVP A'ja Wilson's Las Vegas Aces (now with ex-Seattle Storm Jewell Loyd), the defending runner-up Minnesota Lynx and Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston's Indiana Fever. But Phoenix should be in the mix, and it'll get its season going with its new squad on May 17 at home versus the Seattle Storm.
Video: Chiney Ogwumike Reveals Sister Nneka's New Storm Contract Live on SportsCenter
Jan 31, 2025
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 15: Nneka Ogwumike #3 of the Seattle Storm and Chiney Ogwumike poses for a photo on September 15, 2024 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Scott Eklund/NBAE via Getty Images)
Former WNBA forward and current ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike broke the news of her sister, Nneka, re-signing with the Seattle Storm in free agency while live on SportsCenter.
"This is huge, congratulations to my big sis," Chiney said Friday. "Shoutout to watching live and texting me live."
Nneka initially signed a one-year deal with Seattle ahead of the 2024 season after spending the first 12 years of her career with the Los Angeles Sparks.
She made nine All-Star appearances throughout her impressive tenure in Los Angeles, winning MVP and helping guide the team to a championship in 2016.
Her first year with the Storm was also stellar, averaging 16.7 points and 7.6 rebounds to go along with 2.3 assists per game. Ogwumike shot 51.1 percent from the field, 40.5 percent from three-point territory and 87.6 percent on free throws.
From the paint to the perimeter, Nneka Ogwumike is cooking up a storm ⛈️
Seattle ended the year with a 25-15 record, ultimately falling to the Las Vegas Aces in the first round of the playoffs.
Ogwumike's reunion with the Storm doesn't come as a large surprise, as Percy Allen of the Seattle Times reported Jan. 10 that "the team believes it has built strong ties" to re-sign her.
As for Chiney, she's played seven seasons in the WNBA with the Connecticut Sun as well as the Sparks. She averaged 11.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game throughout her career, earning 2014 Rookie of the Year honors as well as a pair of All-Star nods.
The Storm are in the midst of a busy offseason, as they dealt Jewell Loyd to the Aces in a massive three-team trade on Sunday. Seattle acquired the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft as part of the move.
Nneka Ogwumike is now set to return to the team next season, and the news of the reunion was released by her sister.
Kelsey Plum Posts Farewell to Aces After Sparks Trade: 'Been an Incredible Journey'
Jan 31, 2025
LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 6: Kelsey Plum #10 of the Las Vegas Aces looks on during the game against the New York Liberty during Round 2 Game 4 of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs on October 6, 2024 at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images)
Kelsey Plum is bidding farewell to the Las Vegas Aces after six seasons and back-to-back championships.
The three-time All-Star, who was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday, said it has been "an incredible journey to be part of the Aces organization" in a Friday post on her Instagram.
"Vegas is much more than the strip," Plum wrote. "It is a community of incredible people that have a real zest for life, and it is a true basketball town. The support and loyalty the city has for the Aces is incredible, and I'm so grateful that I got a chance to experience that love."
Plum concluded: "Now this chapter closes and our time together comes to an end, but I'll never forget my time in Vegas, nor the profound impact it's had on my life."
The star player also posted a video of herself wearing a Sparks jersey on Saturday:
Plum was traded last weekend as part of a three-team deal that sent former Seattle Storm guard Jewell Loyd to the Aces.
The Storm originally selected Loyd at the top of the 2015 WNBA draft, two years before Plum was drafted first in 2017.
The deal marked the first time in WNBA history two former No. 1 picks were moved as part of the same trade, according to ESPN's Alexa Philippou.
The Aces were known as the San Antonio Spurs when they drafted Plum in 2017. She stayed with the club through the move to Las Vegas the following year, spending three seasons averaging fewer than 10 points per game before missing the 2020 season with an Achilles injury.
After winning the 2021 Sixth Woman of the Year Award for her successful return to the Aces' reserves, Plum resumed her former starting role for her last three years with the team.
She averaged 18.9 points per game through her final three regular seasons with the Aces, and 17.4 points per game through three subsequent playoff runs.
Plum departs from the Aces ranked second in franchise history with 946 career assists and fourth with 3,368 career points. She joins perennial MVP candidate A'ja Wilson as the only player to record a 40-point game for the Aces.
The trade will now split up Wilson and Plum, who played together not only in Las Vegas but on the U.S. Olympic team.
NBC Sports' Callie Fin reported that Wilson and Loyd have a "close relationship," and that Wilson's voice may have "weighed heavily" in the Aces' trade decision. The Aces will now look to build on that relationship and contend for a title again in 2025.
Plum is meanwhile headed to the Sparks, a team still figuring out how to rebuild after losing star players including Candace Parker and Nneka Ogwumike over the last five years. After playing behind Wilson in Las Vegas, Plum could be set to become the go-to option on the Los Angeles offense.
Angel Reese, Sky to Face Brazil National Team in Exhibition Game at LSU on May 2
Jan 31, 2025
UNCASVILLE, CT - AUGUST 23: Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky looks on during the game on August 23, 2024 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Dylan Goodman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Angel Reese is set to return to LSU for a preseason contest with the Chicago Sky before the start of her sophomore campaign in the WNBA.
According to ESPN's Kendra Andrews, Reese and the Sky will face off against the Brazilian National Team at her alma mater on May 2.
"It will be amazing to return to Baton Rouge, a community that means so much to me," Reese said in a statement, via Andrews. "LSU was instrumental in preparing me for the WNBA and I can't wait to hit the court in front of both Tigers and Sky fans."
The 22-year-old started her college career at Maryland before transferring to LSU before the start of the 2022-23 season, kicking off an incredible two-year run with the Tigers.
Reese averaged 20.9 points, 14.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 50.1 percent from the field in two seasons at LSU. She helped the Tigers win a national championship in 2023 and earned Most Outstanding Player honors during the tournament.
While LSU couldn't make it back to the title game the ensuing year, Reese still improved individually and took home the 2023-24 SEC Player of the Year award.
Her impressive tenure with the Tigers led to the Sky selecting her with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft. Reese averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game during her first year in Chicago, securing an All-Star spot.
Now, she'll be returning to the Pete Maravich Assembly Center for a clash with the Brazilian National Team as she ramps up ahead of her second year in the WNBA.
76ers, Pistons Submit Bids for WNBA Expansion Teams
Jan 31, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 14: Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris watches the game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Wells Fargo Center on April 14, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
The Detroit Pistons and Philadelphia 76ers are both looking to bring the WNBA to their respective cities.
The Pistons announced Friday that team governor Tom Gores submitted an official bid Thursday on behalf of an ownership group attempting to add a team to Detroit.
What's more, Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic reported ownership from the 76ers also placed an official bid for a WNBA expansion team after holding a press conference weeks ago with team governor Josh Harris and others announcing an intent to do so.
Detroit's bid features an ownership group that includes Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp and legendary NBA players Grant Hill and Chris Webber. Webber is from Detroit, while Hill suited up for the Pistons during his NBA career.
"This is an exciting opportunity to welcome the WNBA back to Detroit and bring additional investment and economic activity into the city," Gores said. "For the WNBA this is home, and our bid represents an unprecedented opportunity for the league to come full circle and effect a long-hoped-for Detroit homecoming. No city is more prepared to embrace the team as a community asset that drives unity and common ground."
The bid would include constructing a new WNBA practice facility and team headquarters, while games would be played at Little Caesars Arena. Little Caesars Arena is the home of the Pistons and the NHL's Detroit Red Wings.
Detroit is no stranger to the WNBA, as the Shock were one of the first expansion teams in the league and played from 1998 to 2009. They won three championships before becoming the Tulsa Shock starting with the 2010 season and the current Dallas Wings starting with the 2016 campaign.
As for the 76ers' bid, Philadelphia insider Nick Kariuki reported earlier this month that Comcast was joining as a minority stakeholder.
Kariuki noted Philadelphia's bid "has been in the works since 2021" and has also been "spearheaded by comedian Wanda Sykes and her wife Alex Niedbalski-Sykes."
Both cities are attempting to land the WNBA's 16th franchise during a time of rapid expansion and growth.
The Golden State Valkyries will be the league's 13th team when they start play this year, while the Toronto Tempo will be the 14th starting in the 2026 season. The 15th team will also start in 2026 as a yet-to-be-named club in Portland.
Bill Bradley of the Detroit Free Press noted a number of ownership groups are attempting to become the 16th franchise.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, a Nashville group that includes Candace Parker and Peyton Manning, an Austin group that includes Kevin Durant, a Kansas City group that includes Patrick Mahomes, a St. Louis group that includes Jayson Tatum, and a Houston group that includes Rockets governor Tilman Fertitta have all been seen as possibilities at one time or another.
Report: Natasha Howard Lands Fever Contract in WNBA Free Agency to Join Caitlin Clark
Jan 31, 2025
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 15: Natasha Howard #6 of the Dallas Wings makes a move against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on September 15, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Caitlin Clark is reportedly getting another high-profile teammate.
ESPN's Alexa Philippou reported Friday that veteran forward Natasha Howard agreed to a new deal with the Indiana Fever. This will be her second stint with Indiana, which drafted her with the No. 5 overall pick in 2014.
Howard was a secondary contributor during the first two seasons of her career on the Fever but eventually developed into an All-Star and defensive leader during future stops. She has played for the Minnesota Lynx, Seattle Storm, New York Liberty and Dallas Wings as well.
The 33-year-old was in Dallas the last two seasons and is coming off one of the best scoring efforts of her career in 2024.
She averaged 17.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals a night while shooting 45.6 percent from the field as a bright spot for a Wings team that struggled on the way to a 9-31 record.
It was yet another impressive season in a career that includes three championships (2017 with Minnesota, 2018 with Seattle and 2020 with Seattle), the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year, the 2018 Most Improved Player, two All-Star selections, two All-Defensive First Team nods and a spot on the 2019 All-WNBA First Team.
This move comes after the Fever announced Wednesday they re-signed Kelsey Mitchell, further underscoring their push toward championship contention with Clark leading the way.
Indiana reached the playoffs last season for the first time since the 2016 campaign but lost in the first round to the Connecticut Sun. Considering it was Clark's rookie season and the team went 13-27 the year before, all indications were the future is quite bright.
And now it is even brighter after re-signing Mitchell and adding a veteran leader like Howard.
Howard is also the type of experienced player who has reached the sport's highest stage who can help a young Fever team turn the corner when facing the postseason pressure. She should form quite the one-two punch in the frontcourt with Aliyah Boston as Indiana gears up for the 2025 campaign.
WNBA Free Agency 2025: Top Rumors on Contracts, Trades Before Official Start Date
Jan 31, 2025
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 07: Kelsey Plum (L) #10 of the Las Vegas Aces and Jewell Loyd #24 of the Seattle Storm talk on the court before their game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on June 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The WNBA offseason finally started to kick into gear thanks to two blockbuster trades.
The negotiating window opened on Jan. 21 and players can officially sign contracts starting Saturday.
Until a few days ago, the offseason had been pretty quiet. That's no longer the case with multiple All-Stars reportedly on the move and the promises of some big deals still to come.
Here's a quick overview of what has transpired so far.
Three-Team Trade Opens the Floodgates
The Chicago Sun-Times' Annie Costabile reported on Jan. 25 that "one move serves as the catalyst for all others in the WNBA." It was a proposed three-team trade sending Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks and Jewell Loyd to the Las Vegas Aces.
A day later, the swap came together. Plum and Loyd are the headliners, with the Seattle Storm getting the No. 2 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft.
Plum can assume a bigger scoring role in Los Angeles and be the face of a franchise in a way that wasn't possible with such a top-heavy, star-laden roster in Las Vegas. The Sparks might also have a brighter long-term future thanks to Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink.
For the Aces, Loyd is probably as good as they could've realistically done in terms of replacing Plum. At her peak, the the 31-year-old was one of the best two-way guards in the WNBA, and her best seasons in Seattle came when she was playing off Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird. That's a dynamic she'll have in Vegas with A'ja Wilson as the No. 1 scoring option and Chelsea Gray the lead playmaker.
And yet, the Storm might have come out the best from the trade. Their hand was forced after Loyd requested an exit in December, and they still managed to flip her for what will be a valuable draft pick. At the very least, Seattle will be in a position to get Notre Dame star Olivia Miles, and maybe the front office can dream bigger than that.
Mercury Add Thomas, Lose Griner
True to Costabile's original report, it took two days after the Plum/Loyd trade for a pair of huge dominoes to fall in WNBA free agency.
ESPN's Alexa Philippou reported the Phoenix Mercury will acquire Alyssa Thomas, who had been designated as a core player by the Connecticut Sun, and Ty Harris. Connecticut will get back Natasha Cloud, Rebecca Allen and the No. 12 overall pick in the 2025 draft.
Almost simultaneously with that news dropping came the revelation that 10-time All-Star Brittney Griner is leaving Phoenix after 11 seasons to sign with the Atlanta Dream.
The Mercury are clearly still going for it despite posting a losing record for the third straight season. Thomas is a five-time All-Star who averaged 10.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 7.9 assists in 2024 en route to a fifth-place finish in the MVP voting.
Losing Griner is a massive blow, though. She continues to be an elite center, even into her 30s, as she put up 17.8 points, 6.6 boards and 1.5 blocks per game in 30 appearances.
In the case of Atlanta, signing Griner at this point in her career isn't as significant as it would've been four or five years ago, but it's a win for an organization that has historically struggled to attract stars.
This could the prelude to the Dream becoming a major draw in 2026, when pretty much every notable star you can imagine will be a free agent.
Mitchell Staying in Indiana
Two-time All-Star Kelsey Mitchell chose the most anticlimactic path, re-signing with the Indiana Fever after they used the core designation on her. She'll earn the supermax salary for 2025, which is $249,244.
"I'm thrilled that Kelsey is returning to Fever. She has been an integral part of this franchise from the moment she was drafted," Fever head coach Stephanie White said. "I have watched her journey from the sideline since her time in college and have always admired her work ethic, approach to the game and the way she interacts with her teammates. I can't wait to work with her on a daily basis."
The Fever made the playoffs for the first time since 2016 last season, and Mitchell's individual production didn't suffer following the addition of Caitlin Clark to the backcourt. She actually set a career high in scoring average (19.2 points) and had her most efficient shooting season (46.8 percent overall and 40.2 percent on three-pointers).
The Fever probably won't be a threat to the reigning champion New York Liberty just yet. Twelve games separated them in the standings and Indiana was swept out of the first round by the Sun. But a top-four seed is more than attainable in 2025.
Sticking around in Indianapolis was probably an easy call for Mitchell.
