The WNBA Offseason: Winners and Losers
The WNBA is poised for another thrilling season, and the offseason has been a whirlwind of roster moves and trades. Here are the teams that have come out on top and those that may have some work to do:
Winners:
Los Angeles Sparks:
The Sparks have made a bold move, acquiring All-Star guard Kelsey Plum from the Las Vegas Aces. Plum is a dynamic scorer and playmaker who will form a formidable duo alongside Dearica Hamby. With the return of Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink, the Sparks have a solid core that can challenge for a playoff spot.
Phoenix Mercury:
The Mercury have assembled a superteam, adding All-Star forwards Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas to their roster. With Kahleah Copper returning, Phoenix has a potent offensive trio that can score from all over the court. They will need to address their bench depth, but the Mercury are poised to make a deep playoff run.
Indiana Fever:
The Fever have pulled off a coup by acquiring two All-Stars in Natasha Howard and DeWanna Bonner. These veterans will provide leadership and mentorship to a young team led by reigning Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark. With Sophie Cunningham and Sydney Colson adding depth, the Fever have a promising core that could compete for a top-three seed.
Losers:
Connecticut Sun:
The Sun have undergone a major upheaval, losing their entire starting five. While they have signed Tina Charles, Diamond DeShields, and Natasha Cloud, it remains to be seen how these players will fit together. There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Sun’s roster, and they may struggle to contend in the short term.
Golden State Valkyries:
As an expansion team, the Valkyries had a difficult task in building their roster. While they signed Sixth Player of the Year Tiffany Hayes, they failed to land any other top players. The team will rely heavily on Hayes and international players, and they may struggle in their inaugural season.
Washington Mystics:
The Mystics have been relatively quiet this offseason, which is concerning given their poor performance in 2024. They have two first-round picks, but they are also facing salary cap issues. The Mystics are in need of a rebuild, and it may take some time before they can compete for a playoff spot.
Other Notable Moves:
- The Seattle Storm traded All-Star Jewell Loyd to the Las Vegas Aces for Kelsey Plum.
- The Aces acquired former No. 1 overall pick A’ja Wilson from the Dallas Wings in a blockbuster deal.
- The Atlanta Dream signed Brittney Griner to a one-year deal.
- The Chicago Sky traded for All-Star forward Azura Stevens.
- The New York Liberty, the defending champions, have retained their core and are expected to be a top contender again.
Overall, the WNBA offseason has been filled with excitement and intrigue. The league is poised for another competitive season, with several teams emerging as championship contenders. The Sparks, Mercury, and Fever are the early winners, while the Sun, Valkyries, and Mystics have some work to do.
