The 2023 WNBA free agency period is officially heating up as we approach the end of the moratorium on February 1. Most notably, a two-time MVP Candace Parker has agreed to a deal with the Las Vegas Aceswhich would make the defending champions a super team and heavy favorites for repeat – at least the way things stand.
There are a number of other stars on the market, though, and the title race could swing yet again with the stroke of a pen. As the action continues, here’s a look at some of the latest rumors, including notes on Breanna Stewart, Alysha Clark, and Brittney Sykes.
Stewart Down to Storm or Liberty
Breanna Stewart has narrowed down her list of potential destinations to the Seattle Storm and New York Liberty, According to Rachel Galligan. The biggest free agent on the market for the second year in a row, her decision will change the future of multiple franchises and shape the title race for years to come.
Stewart had the Minnesota Lynx and Washington Mystics on her preliminary roster, but didn’t seem to give them serious consideration. This isn’t entirely surprising, since those franchises were surprisingly competitive to begin with. The Storm, of course, is the only team Stewart has ever played for, while Liberty met her final season, playing in her home state of New York, and recently added fellow MVP nominee Jonquel Jones via a successful trade.
The Storm currently only have two players on the roster: Jewell Lloyd and Mercedes Russell. Stewart loves to play with Loyd, and together they are one of the best 1-2 punchers in the league. Plus, the current situation gives Stormi plenty of flexibility and plenty of room to build a roster around these two should Stewart re-sign. One possible option is Courtney Vandersloot, who is said to be interested in playing Stewart and would provide a natural replacement for the retired Sue Bird.
As for Liberty, their roster is pretty much there, and already features one of the league’s hottest offensive cores in Jones, Sabrina Ionescu, and Marin Yohannes. Adding Stewart (and maybe Vandersloot as well), would give the Liberty a potentially historic offense and a true superstar team. To that last point, it’s worth wondering if Stewart and/or Vandersloot will be swayed by Candace Parker’s decision to join the defending champions Las Vegas Ice. Perhaps these two will now feel the need to team up with Jones for a real shot at the title.
The aces strengthen the team even more with Clark
The Aces went from regular title contender to superteam by adding Candace Parker earlier this week, and now they’ve found a way to solidify that status quo. Veteran forward Alisha Clark plans to sign with the Aces, Per Christina Williams. Clark, a two-time champion, spent last season with the Washington Mystics.
Now 35 years old, Clarke is a far cry from the player she was at her peak with the Seattle Storm, when she was one of the best players in the league. However, she is a spunky defender in multiple positions, runs an average of 38.4 percent on three-point shooting and doesn’t need the ball on offense.
In short, it should be a perfect fit for the Aces and increase the odds of them becoming the first team to win back-to-back titles since the Los Angeles Sparks in 2001 and 2002.
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Sykes to join the Mystics
While Brittney Sykes doesn’t have the same name as some super agents this winter, she made her third consecutive All-Defensive Team appearance last season and caught the attention of a number of teams for her athleticism and ability. Ocean lock.
The Washington Mystics seem to have won the race to sign her. Howard Magdal first reported Deal while kristina williams Shown It will be a three-year contract. Sykes spent the first three seasons of her career with the Atlanta Dream, before being traded to the Los Angeles Sparks, where she spent the last three seasons.
Sykes will join Natasha Cloud and Ariel Atkins — fellow All-Defensive Team members from last season — to form the league’s fiercest defensive zone. The Mystics finished with the best defense in the league last season, allowing just 96 points per 100 possessions, and they should be even better at the end of the floor next season.