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 gives and base assignments to their restricted and unrestricted free brokers respectively. That interval ends on January 20, with free brokers and (outdoors) groups in a position to 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 Huge Apple – this is among the most anticipated free company intervals in current reminiscence.
Underneath the star layer, it is value keeping track of what is going on on with the Dallas Wings.
Halfway Final seasonChristina Williams from Ladies Speak Sports activities (comply with 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 through the season.
Effectively, the offseason is right here, and that, in accordance with Williams, appears extra like an inevitability.
This is her report from Wednesday night time:
SOURCES: Allisha Grey is predicted to be traded from Dallas. Potential locations embody 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 Lady of the 12 months title, is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. And due to Solar’s wage crunch, they could not be capable of hold it on the most deal it is value with out transferring a chunk (or two) of their core.
Other than the Seattle Storm, there might not be a crew on The W with a larger potential roster turnover charge than the Chicago Sky. After dropping to the Solar within the Japanese Convention Finals, they’re now going through a troublesome season. Parker is a free agent, as are All-Star guard Courtney Vandersloot, pitcher Ally Quigley and celebrity Azura Stephens.
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. Despite the fact that they’ve pending free brokers like Alisha Clark, Chateau Walker Kimbra, and Elizabeth Williams, they do not danger dropping. Nucleus A expertise like Solar and Sky, which makes it an thrilling touchdown spot for Grey.
After which, we’ve 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 large, versatile Cheyenne Parker is coming off one of the best season of her profession — she’s full of canopy area.
In brief, the vacation spot roster has three current contenders and one crew on the rise with loads of cash to spend. All 4 can use enhance hearth particularly.
To that finish, it is simple to see why Grey would really like it a lot. She was considered one of six gamers to drop 40% of their threes whereas making an attempt at the least 4 in every recreation. Her potential to play towards slanted defenses provides to her offensive worth. Add in her protection – the record of gamers who can defend the perimeter in addition to or higher than Grey is a brief record – and you’ve got one of the vital versatile wingers within the sport, smack dab in the course of her fame.
When gamers like her are within the industrial market, it will likely be important for an excellent crew 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 form of participant you should not have an issue sticking with for the lengthy haul.
Of the groups listed, I’d in all probability give the Mystics the sting right here.
In mild of some front-court Dallas questions – Isabel Harrison is an uninhibited free agent who is not removed from complaining about her taking part in time; Teaira McCowan is a restricted free agent with market worth within the air on account of fashion of play – the Mystics might use Myisha Hines-Allen to title a bundle. 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 12 months runner-up Shakira Austin (already Semi-elite defender) would problem the Aces for one of the best unit in The W.
Of the groups not included in Williams’ report, I am questioning if the New York Liberty might match into the combination. They might undoubtedly use extra strikes of their secure environment choices.
It was virtually humorous how higher their protection seemed – virtually 5 factors for each 100 stingy possessions — when Betnijah Laney returned to spin after recovering from meniscus surgical procedure. It was the one possibility for the Liberty winger who might defend credibly within the meantime additionally Draw the eye of defenders when working the ball.
Whoever lands it, you possibly can put Grey’s identify on the record of gamers whose acquisition might assist form this yr’s title image at The W.