(Photo : Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 20: A element of the WNBA emblem is seen on the basketball throughout opening tipoff between the Seattle Storm and the Connecticut Sun at Climate Pledge Arena on June 20, 2023 in Seattle, Washington.
WNBA free company kicked off final week with a number of the league’s brightest stars on the transfer.
So far, groups just like the Seattle Storm, Phoenix Mercury and Atlanta Dream all have all been busy enhancing their rosters in hopes of bringing a championship dwelling in September.
Some huge names like Skylar Diggins-Smith and Tina Charles have already modified groups.
Here is what we all know as far as we enter week two of the WNBA Free Agency.
WNBA Free Agency: Nneka Ogwumike
Former League MVP, Nneka Ogwumike, could also be enjoying in a distinct jersey this summer season.
Ogwumike, who has spent 12 seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks is perhaps on the transfer this offseason.
According to Romona Shellborne of ESPN, Ogwumike has drawn curiosity from the Atlanta Dream, Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky, Seattle Storm, and the New York Liberty.
The Storm and Mercury each missed the playoffs final yr and would profit from having her star energy on the roster. She would additionally put the Liberty over high and make them the percentages on favourite to win all of it.
Though she was spectacular for the Sparks, the workforce has not skilled a lot success and missed the playoffs final season.
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WNBA Free Agency: Big Moves
The Seattle Storm has signed the unrestricted free agent level guard Skylar Diggins-Smith.
The six-time all-star and gold medalist, Diggins-Smith, spent 4 seasons with Phoenix Mercury, becoming a member of the workforce in 2020.
At first, there was a stage of optimism seeing Diggins-Smith play on a roster that includes WNBA greats Diana Taurasi and Brittany Griner. However, as time went on, her relationship with the franchise would turn out to be very rocky.
She will miss the 2023 season resulting from maternity go away. Despite nonetheless being a roster member, the workforce didn’t enable her to make use of the follow facility whereas on go away all through the offseason.
Now in Seattle, Diggins-Smith would be a part of a roster that includes rising star guard Jewel Lloyd.
The 33-year-old was among the finest level guards within the open market; when she final performed in 2022, she averaged 19 factors per recreation.
Former MVP Tina Charles has introduced that she is returning to the WNBA with the Atlanta Dream, in keeping with Howard Megdal of The Next.
Charles final performed within the WNBA for the Phoenix Mercury in 2022. However, her time with the franchise ended after 16 video games, with each groups agreeing to a buyout resulting from unhappiness within the head coach Vanessa Nygaard’s offense.
She would finish the season as a member of the Seattle Storm, serving to lead the workforce to the second spherical of the WNBA Playoffs.
The 35-year-old has had a outstanding profession, enjoying 12 seasons, attending eight all-star video games, and profitable a WNBA MVP. She ranks fourth all-time within the league scoring, amassing 7,115 profession factors, and is second in profession rebounds with 3,640.
Now she’ll look to assist a younger Atlanta Dream workforce that noticed some success final season making it to the playoffs.
Long-time Mystics guard Natasha Cloud has now signed with the Phoenix Mercury, in keeping with SNY Reporter Khirstina WIlliamms and confirmed by the Washington Post Kareem Copeland.
Cloud has performed her total profession with the Mystics, spending eight seasons in DC and serving to the franchise win a championship in 2019.
Cloud would be a part of a roster that boasts future Hall of Farmers in Diana Turasi and Brittney Griner.
The Mercury are coming off a tough season regardless of having the returning star Brittney Griner, as they completed with a report 9-31.
Phoenix additionally owns the No.3 decide within the WNBA draft. Though it is unlikely they will get the prospect to draft Caitlin Clark, they may nonetheless have a shot at Stanford standout Cameron Brink or UConn guard Paige Bueckers.
WNBA Free Agency: Other Key Moves
Aerial Powers joins Tina Charles in Atlanta.
New York Liberty middle Jonquel Jones indicators a two yr deal to remain in New York with hope of serving to the workforce win a championship.
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