BASKETBA NEWS:WNBA free agency predictions for the top ten players and Breanna Stewart…
The WNBA free agency era officially begins on January 21st, which also means that days of strategic talks between clubs and players begin. Negotiations and excitement abound during this time leading up to formal signings on February 1st, which seals clubs’ and players’ fates for the forthcoming campaign. With a roster that has elite players like Breanna Stewart, Brittney Griner, and Elena Delle Donne, this year’s free agency is especially interesting. These are the top 10 available free agents for the WNBA in terms of free agency predictions.
The free agency structure of the NBA and WNBA are comparable. There are two types of players: restricted free agents, who have the same flexibility as unrestricted free agents but may have their present club match any offer they get, and unrestricted free agents, who can sign and negotiate with any team.
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Players with fewer than three years of experience are also eligible for the WNBA’s “reserved” category. Typically, players who entered the league later in their careers or those not on a typical rookie deal fall into this group. Negotiations with these players are limited to their current club.
Players whose contracts terminate while they are suspended may, in some circumstances, be classified as “withholding service.” These players get the same treatment as reserved players, but they are not required to accept a qualifying offer from their present club.
With one exception—Satou Sabally—all ten of the best players are unconstrained, meaning they may move anywhere.
AD1. Breanna Stewart: Continuing to Support the Liberty
The 2023 MVP, Breanna Stewart, has established herself as a formidable player in the WNBA. It’s absurd to think Liberty will let her leave, and they won’t, given her outstanding play and the value she adds to any squad. Stewart was essentially “cored” by the Liberty on January 12, rendering her ineligible for free agency.
An individual classified as a “core” free agent forfeits their “unrestricted” status, meaning that only their club is able to negotiate a new deal with them. A player with the core classification is immediately eligible for a one-year supermax proposal under the terms of the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement. If both parties are on board, the player and the organisation may work out a longer-term deal. Following her classification as core, a player may reject any deal involving her prior to agreeing to a new contract. In the event that the player and the team decide to split ways, this gives her some autonomy regarding where she ends up.
2. Brittney Griner – Devoted to the Mercury Griner’s WNBA free agency scenario this year is intriguing. Although she has a deep dedication to Phoenix, it may be tempting to join a rival superpower. A transfer to a club like the Connecticut Sun or Las Vegas Aces, who are both trying to boost their frontcourts, seems likely given the present scenario. But considering how important she is to the club, Phoenix may be able to hold onto her.
3. Skylar Diggins-Smith: Sun-Turning
Diggins-Smith is in high demand after missing the previous season. She is a great asset because of her ability to score goals and set plays. Potential destinations include teams in need of a dynamic guard, such as the Atlanta Dream and the Connecticut Sun. But the Sun may have an advantage in acquiring Diggins-Smith given their strategic emphasis and cap space.
4. Candace Parker: Despite worries about her future, Parker’s experience and adaptability make her a valued player, so if she returns, she will stay with the Aces. If she decides to play, she most likely will continue with the Aces despite the rumours of her retirement. Her ability and leadership would be crucial for the Aces going forward, particularly if they wanted to contend for another title.
5. Delle Donne, Elena – Staying with the Mystics
On January 13, the Mystics cored Delle Donne, much as they had Stewart. Despite her past history of injuries, Delle Donne has been a vital member of the Mystics team.
AD WNBA players Nneka Ogwumike, Dallas Wings’ Satou Sabally, Las Vegas Aces’ Kiah Stokes, Chicago Sky’s Courtney Williams, and New York Liberty’s Jonquel Jones are all wearing jerseys with question marks and the emoji 👀 around them.
6. Sparks Devoted to Nneka Ogwumike
Ogwumike leads the Sparks and is a reliable player. Other clubs may show interest in Ogwumike during this free agency period, but given the Sparks’ dedication to its core and her position as the team’s face, it seems likely that she will remain in Los Angeles.
7. AD. Satou Sabally – May arrive with a fever
Sabally’s position is noteworthy since she is a restricted free agent. Considering her accomplishments, the Wings will probably try hard to keep her. Teams seeking to boost their frontcourt, such as the Indiana Fever, may, however, make a strong offer.
Caitlin Clark of Iowa women’s basketball and Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury are highly recommended.
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NBA free agents Brittney Griner and Breanna Stewart Jonquel Jones, Courtney Williams, Elena Delle Donne, Nneka Ogwumike, Satou Sabally, Candace Parker, and Skylar Diggins-Smith
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8. Kiah Stokes: Still playing with the Aces
Stokes, who is renowned for her defence, is a good match for the Aces hierarchy. Her chances of sticking with the Aces are quite good, particularly considering how much emphasis they have on preserving a strong defensive lineup.
Courtney Williams, AD 9. Taking aim at the sun
Williams is a desirable free agent due to her enhanced performance. The Sun and the Atlanta Dream, two teams in need of a versatile guard, may be among the contenders. But maybe the front-runner is the Sun, with their emphasis on increasing adaptability and depth.
10. Jonquel Jones: The Liberty’s asset
For the Liberty, Jones has been essential. Her skill set makes her a top choice for teams looking to bolster their frontcourt, but it seems the Liberty will put in a lot of effort to hold onto her given their dedication to developing a winning squad.
Everything from the first talks on January 21st to the last confirmations on February 1st will determine the course of the next season.
Breanna Stewart, the nation’s best player and a UConn recruit, went to Blake Arena eleven Hoophall Classics ago with her Cicero-North Syracuse team to face West Springfield.
After graduating from UConn, Stewart went on to win four NCAA crowns, three AP Player of the Year honours, two WNBA Championships, and the 2018 and 2023 WNBA MVP trophies.
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