WNBA free agency got off to a flying start with the signing of star forward Breanna Stewart with the New York Liberty on Wednesday.
Breanna Stewart’s signing with the New York Liberty isn’t the only WNBA news. Candace Parker has announced that she is signing with the Las Vegas Aces.
In addition to Parker, Alysha Clark also signed with the Aces after playing one season in Washington. These three players will help their new franchises in a big way as the WNBA prepares for the 2023 season.
Breanna Stewart will be a huge addition for the Liberty, who recently got Jonquel Jones in a trade. Stewart finished the 2022 season averaging 21.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists, while shooting 37.9 percent from three points.
The Seattle Storm finished the 2022 season with a 22-14 record and were eliminated in the semifinals by the Aces.
Stewie played her first six seasons with the Storm and was arguably the team’s best player. Obviously, Sue Bird was the face of the franchise, but as she continued to age, she passed the baton to Stewart.
At the end of the 2022 season, Bird announced that she would be retiring. Ahead of the 2022 season, Stewart signed a one-year contract which may have raised some questions – and rightly so given this result.
Stewart will help New York on both sides of the ball. She can create nightmares for all defenders on the pitch. Liberty’s new star can score points in all three phases of the game. She can post taller and shorter defenders, she can shoot three-pointers and she can reach the ring at will. As UConn’s product has grown, it has improved its defensive game. She can guard positions one through five in situational defenses.
The Barclays Arena in New York will be packed in 2023 due to the new additions. Stewart and Jones will be able to play under Sabrina Ionescu, a massive collection of talent in New York.
Ionescu will be able to give the ball to the two former MVPs early on. Stewart and Jones can impact the game without having the ball in their hands at all times.
Free agency is open and players can begin officially signing contracts starting Wednesday, so there could be more moves on the horizon for the Liberty.
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