Tag: 2024 WNBA Free Agency

2024 WNBA Free Agency Tracker: Where stars like Breanna Stewart and Nneka Ogwumike will play next season

Breanna Stewart is staying in New York, but other names like Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins-Smith and Jordin Canada are with new teams.

WNBA Free Agency is off to a running start. Things got going very early with tons of deals being agreed to. However, there are still so many unknowns, including a new wrinkle: whether or not Elena Delle Donne will play this season.

Free agency for the league started January 21, and though deals could not be signed until February 1, there have been lots of head-turning moves. With the New York Liberty officially giving Breanna Stewart a core designation, all eyes turned to other big names like Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins-Smith, and Candace Parker.

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However, a new reality is setting in with another big name. Elena Delle Donne and the Washington Mystics’ future is legitimately up in the air, and it’s not clear what will happen for the 2024 season.

As rumors turn to confirmations, here are the top WNBA free agency moves thus far:

**This player has a “core” designation. A “core” designation allows a team to designate a player as essential to the team’s success and identity. Any player with this label no longer has an unrestricted free agent status, giving the team exclusive rights to negotiate a new contract. Additionally, per the WNBA CBA, the player will be offered a one-year super-max contract at minimum, but a longer deal can be made with the team.

Kahleah Copper trade grade: Who won the deal between Chicago Sky and Phoenix Mercury?

Kahleah Copper switching teams is a bold move, and the WNBA should be on notice.

Kahleah Copper was supposed to be part of the Chicago Sky’s future. Now, just five months after signing an extension and four months after participating in an introductory press conference for new head coach Teresa Weatherspoon, Copper has been traded.

Copper and Morgan Bertsch are reportedly headed to the Phoenix Mercury in exchange for forwards Michaela Onyenwere and Brianna Turner and four draft picks, including the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft.

The move is a bit of a shock, considering the Sky won a championship in 2021, made the playoffs in 2022 and 2023 and still had several pieces to compete for another ring prior to free agency.

Let’s do a deep dive on the trade.

Seattle Storm sign two powerhouse free agents ahead of 2024 season

The Seattle Storm are out with a vengeance during this WNBA free agency period.

The Seattle Storm are out with a vengeance during this WNBA free-agency period. The Storm have signed nine-year WNBA vet, six-time all-WNBA selection and six-time All-Star Skylar Diggins-Smith, considered one of the most, if not the most, highly coveted free agents. Then, less than a week later, they signed eight-time WNBA All-Star, six-time All-WNBA pick and the 2016 WNBA MVP in Nneka Ogwumike.

“Joining the Seattle Storm is the ideal next step in my basketball journey. The organization’s dedication to its players and the progression of the league is commendable,” said Diggins-Smith. “I’m laser-focused for the upcoming season. Stepping onto the court alongside Jewell, benefiting from the leadership of Noelle Quinn and feeling the energy of the Seattle Storm fans is a combination that I am confident will lead to success.”

Diggins-Smith sat out last season after giving birth to her second child. However, during the 2022 season, she posted career-best numbers in Phoenix.

Ogwumike was the No. 1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2012 WNBA draft and has spent her 12-year career with them. She is ready for a change and can’t wait to get started in Seattle after posting a career-best season in 2023.

“I’m stepping into this season of change with you, Seattle,” said Ogwumike.  “With my teammates, coaches, staff, organization, ownership, and, most importantly, the fans. Every part of me is grateful and ready for this opportunity to continue to be great and sustain legacy. You can’t calm this Storm.”

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25 WNBA players to track ahead of free agency, including 2023 MVP Breanna Stewart

WNBA free agency is around the corner. Here’s a list of some of the biggest names who will hit the market.

The WNBA offseason is in full swing, with rumors already swirling about what teams will do in the WNBA draft. However, before that time arrives, teams will have to navigate free agency.

Things are quickly heating up as the league approaches the start of free agency on January 21. At that time, teams are allowed to speak with players, but deals cannot officially be signed until February 1. Naturally, teams are vying for a chance to address major needs before the WNBA Draft on April 15.

This year’s free agency is particularly important because several significant names will hit the market, including Jonquel Jones, Elena Delle Donne, Nneka Ogwumike, Candace Parker, Brittney Griner and 2023 MVP Breanna Stewart.

As free agency begins, here are 25 names that you should keep an eye on: