The Atlanta Dream have made another splash in the WNBA free agency market, securing the services of three-time All-Star Brionna Jones, as confirmed by her agent, Boris Lelchitski. This move marks a notable shift for Jones, who spent her entire career with the Connecticut Sun after being drafted No. 8 overall in 2017.
Jones has been a cornerstone for the Sun,playing a pivotal role in their six consecutive semifinal appearances. Her accolades include the 2021 Most Improved player and 2022 Sixth Player of the year awards. Standing at 6-foot-3, she averaged 13.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game in 2024, showcasing her resilience after recovering from an Achilles tear that sidelined her for much of the 2023 season.
As an unrestricted free agent, Jones was not core eligible, having been designated as such by the Sun in both 2023 and 2024. Her signing with the Dream is part of a broader strategy by Atlanta to bolster their roster. Earlier this offseason, the team acquired 10-time All-Star Brittney Griner, creating a formidable frontcourt duo. Jones and Griner will join forces with 2022 No. 1 overall pick Rhyne Howard, setting the stage for a possibly dominant season.
Key Highlights of Brionna Jones’ career
Table of Contents
| Category | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| WNBA Team | Connecticut Sun (2017-2024), Atlanta Dream (2025-) |
| Draft Position | No. 8 overall in 2017 |
| Awards | 2021 Most Improved Player, 2022 Sixth Player of the Year |
| 2024 Stats | 13.7 PPG, 5.5 RPG |
| Notable Achievement | Six consecutive semifinal appearances with the Sun |
This acquisition underscores the Dream’s commitment to building a championship-caliber team. With Jones’ versatility and Griner’s dominance, Atlanta is poised to make a deep playoff run in the upcoming season.
For more details on Jones’ journey and the Dream’s offseason moves, check out the full story on ESPN.atlanta Dream and Connecticut Sun: A New Era Begins in the WNBA
The WNBA landscape is shifting dramatically as two of its prominent franchises, the Atlanta Dream and the Connecticut Sun, embark on new chapters. With key player movements and coaching changes, both teams are poised to redefine their identities in the league.
Atlanta dream: A Fresh Start Under Karl Smesko
The atlanta Dream have made significant changes this season, starting with the appointment of Karl Smesko as head coach. Smesko, who previously led Florida Gulf Coast University to consistent success, replaces Tanisha Wright after the Dream suffered back-to-back first-round playoff exits. The franchise, which hasn’t secured a playoff win as 2018, is eager to turn the tide.
Atlanta’s roster boasts a mix of talent, including Rhyne howard, a former lottery pick who has quickly become a cornerstone for the team. Alongside her are Allisha gray, a versatile guard with a proven track record, and Jordin Canada, a two-time all-defensive selection known for her tenacity on the court. This trio, under Smesko’s leadership, could be the key to breaking the Dream’s postseason drought.
The Connecticut Sun are entering uncharted territory with the departure of Jonquel Jones, a dominant force in the league. adding to the upheaval, perennial All-Star Alyssa Thomas is reportedly set to join the Phoenix Mercury, while two-time WNBA champion DeWanna Bonner may also be on the move. These changes mark the end of an era for the Sun,who have been a consistent playoff contender in recent years.The Sun’s front office now faces the challenge of rebuilding around a new core. While the loss of star players is significant, it also opens the door for emerging talents to step up and make their mark. The team’s ability to adapt will be crucial as they aim to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving league.
Key Takeaways
Here’s a quick summary of the major developments for both teams:
| Team | Key changes | Impact |
|———————-|———————————————————————————|—————————————————————————-|
| Atlanta Dream | Hired Karl Smesko as head coach; core players include Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, Jordin Canada | Aims to end playoff drought and build a winning culture |
| Connecticut Sun | Jonquel Jones departs; alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner potentially on the move | Transitioning to a new era with a focus on rebuilding and developing talent |
What’s Next?
As the WNBA season progresses, all eyes will be on the Atlanta Dream and Connecticut Sun to see how these changes unfold. Will Smesko’s coaching prowess lead the Dream to postseason success? Can the Sun rebuild effectively and remain a contender?
For fans, these developments promise an exciting season filled with fresh storylines and emerging stars.Stay tuned as both teams navigate their new paths in the league.
What are your thoughts on these changes? Share your predictions for the upcoming season in the comments below!
Atlanta Dream and Connecticut Sun: A New Era Begins in the WNBA
The WNBA landscape is shifting dramatically as two of its prominent franchises, the Atlanta Dream and the Connecticut Sun, embark on new chapters. With key player movements and coaching changes, both teams are poised to redefine their identities in the league.
Atlanta Dream: A Fresh Start Under Karl Smesko
The Atlanta Dream have made notable changes this season, starting with the appointment of Karl Smesko as head coach. Smesko, who previously led Florida Gulf Coast University to consistent success, replaces Tanisha Wright after the Dream suffered back-to-back first-round playoff exits. The franchise, which hasn’t secured a playoff win as 2018, is eager to turn the tide.
Atlanta’s roster boasts a mix of talent,including Rhyne Howard,a former lottery pick who has quickly become a cornerstone for the team. Alongside her are Allisha Gray, a versatile guard with a proven track record, and Jordin Canada, a two-time all-defensive selection known for her tenacity on the court. This trio, under Smesko’s leadership, could be the key to breaking the Dream’s postseason drought.
the Connecticut sun are entering uncharted territory with the departure of Jonquel Jones, a dominant force in the league. Adding to the upheaval, perennial All-Star Alyssa Thomas is reportedly set to join the Phoenix Mercury, while two-time WNBA champion DeWanna Bonner may also be on the move.These changes mark the end of an era for the Sun, who have been a consistent playoff contender in recent years.
The Sun’s front office now faces the challenge of rebuilding around a new core. While the loss of star players is significant, it also opens the door for emerging talents to step up and make their mark. The team’s ability to adapt will be crucial as they aim to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving league.
Key Takeaways
| Team | Key Changes | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Dream | Hired Karl Smesko as head coach; core players include Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, Jordin Canada | Aims to end playoff drought and build a winning culture |
| Connecticut Sun | Jonquel Jones departs; Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner perhaps on the move | Transitioning to a new era with a focus on rebuilding and developing talent |
What’s Next?
As the WNBA season progresses, all eyes will be on the Atlanta dream and connecticut Sun to see how these changes unfold. Will Smesko’s coaching prowess led the Dream to postseason success? Can the Sun rebuild effectively and remain a contender?
For fans,these developments promise an exciting season filled with fresh storylines and emerging stars. Stay tuned as both teams navigate their new paths in the league.
What are your thoughts on these changes? Share your predictions for the upcoming season in the comments below!
