Prepare for the fireworks, folks.
The enjoyable interval of the WNBA offseason is on the horizon. As of yesterday, groups are actually allowed to submit qualifying presents and base assignments to their restricted and unrestricted free brokers respectively. That interval ends on January 20, with free brokers and (outdoors) groups capable of negotiate offers on January 21.
With stars like Breanna Stewart, Candace Parker, and Nneka Ogwumike main the market – and with rumors already swirling of Stewart eyeing the Massive Apple – this is without doubt one of the most anticipated free company durations in current reminiscence.
Below the star layer, it is price keeping track of what is going on on with the Dallas Wings.
Halfway Final seasonChristina Williams from Ladies Speak Sports activities (observe her!) reported that Alesha Grey — an All-Star caliber winger for Dallas — would keep all through the commerce deadline, however was anticipated to be transferred throughout the season.
Nicely, the offseason is right here, and that, based on Williams, appears extra like an inevitability.
Here is her report from Wednesday evening:
SOURCES: Allisha Grey is predicted to be traded from Dallas. Potential locations embrace Washington, Chicago, Connecticut and Atlanta. Grey is within the last yr of her contract and plans to observe free company when her contract expires.
@worker
#WNBAFreeAgency https://t.co/KEp5ALIMib
– Kristina Williams
January 12, 2023
Not solely are we following Grey, however we even have potential locations!
The Connecticut Solar have appeared within the World Cup Finals (and misplaced to the Las Vegas Ices), however have their very own tightrope to stroll with the precise All-Stars. Breonna Jones, a two-time All-Star and sixth Girl of the Yr title, is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. And due to Solar’s wage crunch, they might not be capable to maintain it on the most deal it is price with out transferring a chunk (or two) of their core.
Apart from the Seattle Storm, there might not be a staff on The W with a better potential roster turnover price than the Chicago Sky. After shedding to the Solar within the Japanese Convention Finals, they’re now dealing with a troublesome season. Parker is a free agent, as are All-Star guard Courtney Vandersloot, pitcher Ally Quigley and celebrity Azura Stevens.
The Washington Mystics are stacked with expertise, led by Elena Delle Donne and a pair of two-way forces in Natasha Cloud and Ariel Atkins. Regardless that they’ve pending free brokers like Alisha Clark, Chateau Walker Kimbra, and Elizabeth Williams, they do not danger shedding. Nucleus A expertise like Solar and Sky, which makes it an thrilling touchdown spot for Grey.
After which, we have now the Atlanta dream, which organizational reform Ready them for long-term success. Not solely have they got expertise now — Ryan Howard has written “star” throughout her, and the massive, versatile Cheyenne Parker is coming off the most effective season of her profession — she’s full of canopy house.
In brief, the vacation spot roster has three current contenders and one staff on the rise with loads of cash to spend. All 4 can use increase hearth particularly.
To that finish, it is easy to see why Grey would love it a lot. She was one among six gamers to drop 40% of their threes whereas making an attempt not less than 4 in every recreation. Her skill to play in opposition to slanted defenses provides to her offensive worth. Add in her protection – the checklist of gamers who can defend the perimeter in addition to or higher than Grey is a brief checklist – and you’ve got some of the versatile wingers within the sport, smack dab in the course of her fame.
When gamers like her are within the industrial market, it is going to be important for a superb staff to pounce. Her contract standing can complicate issues a bit; She has one yr left on her deal, and plans per Williams to check the market off subsequent season. However that is the sort of participant you should not have an issue sticking with for the lengthy haul.
Of the groups listed, I might in all probability give the Mystics the sting right here.
In gentle of some front-court Dallas questions – Isabel Harrison is an uninhibited free agent who is not removed from complaining about her enjoying time; Teaira McCowan is a restricted free agent with market worth within the air resulting from fashion of play – the Mystics may use Myisha Hines-Allen to title a package deal. Past that, the Mystics have draft inventory to make use of, together with the No. 4 choose on this yr’s draft.
Beginning 5 from Cloud, Atkins, Grey, Delle Donne, and Rookie of the Yr runner-up Shakira Austin (already Semi-elite defender) would problem the Aces for the most effective unit in The W.
Of the groups not included in Williams’ report, I am questioning if the New York Liberty may match into the combo. They may positively use extra strikes of their secure environment choices.
It was nearly humorous how higher their protection regarded – nearly 5 factors for each 100 stingy possessions — when Betnijah Laney returned to spin after recovering from meniscus surgical procedure. It was the one choice for the Liberty winger who may defend credibly within the meantime additionally Draw the eye of defenders when working the ball.
Whoever lands it, you may put Grey’s identify on the checklist of gamers whose acquisition may assist form this yr’s title image at The W.