Thanks for reading the Her Hoop Stats Newsletter. And don’t forget to join the Spread the Floor team on Playback this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Eastern for our next watch party! Watch Iowa take on Indiana with the Spread the Floor team while they discuss the game and all things related to betting on women’s basketball.
It’s free to sign up for Playback - all you need to do is link your cable or streaming provider just like you're watching on the ESPN app. Sign up now and join the Her Hoop Stats room to keep tabs on our upcoming schedule!
Haven’t subscribed to the Her Hoop Stats Newsletter yet?
Many of us expected free agency to be filled with exciting decisions, but not of this magnitude. Here is a team-by-team recap of what happened this week.
Salary numbers are provided by Richard Cohen with Her Hoop Stats.
Atlanta
Fans of the Dream were looking to see what was next in an exciting offseason thus far. The Dream kicked off the offseason surprises by trading Kristy Wallace, who just finished her rookie season in the W, to Indiana. In exchange, the Fever sent veteran point guard and three-time All Star, Danielle Robinson. Not finished there, the Dream would trade for former Rookie of the Year, Allisha Gray. Thought of as one of the more versatile wings in the W, Gray is a coup for a Dream team that also has Rhyne Howard. To bring Gray into the fold, the Dream gave up the No. 3 pick in the upcoming draft and their 2025 first-rounder.
Week of 1/29:
This past week, the Dream re-signed Nia Coffey (1 year/$130,000), AD Durr (training camp contract - $74,305, via qualifying offer), and Monique Billings (1 year/$145,000). Coffey was key for the Dream last year, providing defense and rebounding for the team. Atlanta traded with New York last year for AD. Scoring 20-plus in three of their first five games with the Dream, AD had an immediate impact upon arrival. As mentioned, AD’s current deal is a training camp contract: one year unprotected at the minimum. Training camp contracts do not count against the cap until the first day of the regular season, so Atlanta has some flexibility to make more moves. Billings is one of the W’s premier rebounders, ranking in the top 20 in each of the past four seasons. Atlanta also has an outstanding qualifying offer that was extended to Beatrice Mompremier. If accepted, it would also be considered a training camp contract and treated in the same manner as AD’s.
Heading into the new week, the Dream are looking at $407,973 in cap space (effectively $283,403 factoring incomplete roster charges for having under 10 players). This should be enough to entertain the unrestricted and restricted free agent market. With Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, a budding coach in Tanisha Wright, and a robust front office, Atlanta is a team that could still have some surprises.
Chicago
The Sky is falling! Or has it just dropped a notch? The beginning of last week looked dismal for Chicago:
Candace Parker signed with the reigning WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces.
Courtney Vandersloot announced she would be playing basketball in New York this year.
Azurá Stevens signed a deal with the Los Angeles Sparks.
It was announced on ESPN’s Free Agency Special that Allie Quigley, although a free agent, would not be playing in the W at all this year.
Chicago’s remaining championship core has been gutted with the rash of free agency decisions, leaving Kahleah Copper as the one pivotal piece remaining. The Finals MVP is in the last year of her existing deal (2 years/$200,000, $205,000). As she will have played two seasons under the core designation, she can no longer receive the core qualifying offer again in her career.
Week of 1/29:
Chicago‘s fortunes seemed to change starting on the afternoon of Feb. 2 when reports surfaced that Courtney Williams and Isabelle Harrison would be joining the Sky. Williams is a quality veteran player, playing in two WNBA Finals series as a member of the Connecticut Sun. She had a two-year stint in Atlanta, playing perhaps the best basketball of her career at the time. A talented scorer and rebounder (rare for a guard), Williams is expected to be a key member of the Sky, who desperately need players after the championship core’s exodus. She signed for 1 year/$160,000. Harrison is also a quality veteran in her own right, an important part of the rotation during her time in Dallas. Although she only started in 18 games last season, Harrison will have a chance at a greater role, providing Chicago with a much-needed frontcourt presence. She signed with Chicago for 2 years/$160,000, $160,000. Adding to the frontcourt, Chicago also signed Elizabeth Williams (2 years/$135,000, $135,000). A staunch shot-blocker, Williams has a career average of 1.6 per game.
One thing to look out for is Emma Meesseman’s status. Although an unrestricted free agent, she has not announced whether she will return to the league this year. Meesseman has previously noted her concerns with prioritization. The Sky have an outstanding qualifying offer that was extended to Rebekah Gardner. A welcome surprise for Chicago and the W last season, Gardner proved that she can play in the league. She can accept the offer (1 year/$62,285), but, given her play last season, she could negotiate for more money and years. Since most of its previous core is out the door, Chicago has the cap space to focus on the new faces of Sky basketball.
Connecticut Sun
Jonquel Jones and Jasmine Thomas were traded from Connecticut to the Liberty and the Sparks, respectively. In return, the Sun brought in Rebecca Allen, Tyasha Harris, Jasmine Walker, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, the reserved rights to Kianna Smith, and the sixth pick of the 2023 WNBA Draft. Through these moves, the Sun cleared up enough cap space to extend the core qualifying offer to Brionna Jones. Jones, the reigning Sixth Player of the Year and former Most Improved Player, is expected to play an even bigger role for the Sun with Jonquel Jones now in New York. Connecticut is also entering 2023 with a new coaching staff (Stephanie White as head coach; Briann January and Abi Olajuwon as assistants) and GM, Darius Taylor. Maybe with these moves, the Sun will indeed be coming out tomorrow.
Week of 1/29:
Since the initial trades that heated up the offseason, Connecticut’s week has been lukewarm. Joyner Holmes, who played 26 games for the Sun last season, accepted the reserved qualifying offer extended to her: 1 year/$74,305 - considered a training camp contract. Brionna Jones has not officially signed a deal (either by accepting the core qualifying offer or negotiating a different contract). Natisha Hiedeman signed for 2 years/$120,000, $120,000. With this move, the Sun retained a key member of their WNBA Finals squad. Mikiah Hebert Harrigan also signed a training camp contract with the Sun. The sixth overall pick in 2020, Herbert Harrigan has been terrific for her overseas club, the London Lions. This move also reunites her with Harris (teammate at South Carolina).
Dallas Wings
The Wings were part of the three-team deal involving Jonquel Jones. Dallas parted with Tyasha Harris and Kayla Thornton and in return acquired Natasha Howard (a three-time champion and former Defensive Player of the Year) and the reserved rights to 2020 Rookie of the Year Crystal Dangerfield. As mentioned, Allisha Gray was also traded from Dallas, giving the Wings an extra first-round pick in 2023 and 2025. This trade actually happens to be the first trade involving draft picks two years out, a new policy decision resulting from recent league meetings. Heading into the past week, some speculated on if the incoming pieces would be a good fit, given that Dallas is now stocked with frontcourt players: Howard, Satou Sabally, Charli Collier, Awak Kuier, and the recent re-signing of Teaira McCowan. Finding out how the recent acquisitions fit will rest on the shoulders of new head coach Latricia Trammell. The former Sparks assistant coach and renowned defensive specialist will look to get the best out of what she has been provided with.
Week of 1/29:
The Wings were able to make some moves this week, signing McCowan and Dangerfield to multi-year contracts (McCowan at 3 years/$190,000, $195,700, $201,400; Dangerfield at 2 years/$80,000, $80,000). Last season, McCowan was a major acquisition for Dallas, who traded a slew of draft picks for her talents. Although she had a slow start to the season, McCowan picked it up towards the later half, proving how dominant she can be in the W. Dangerfield is looking to recapture some of the magic she displayed in her rookie season with Minnesota. Last year, she proved useful at times for the Liberty as a facilitator. This past week, the Wings signed Kalani Brown to a training camp contract. The 6-foot-7 center is looking to get back into the W and has made waves playing overseas and domestically for Athletes Unlimited. Isabelle Harrison, who played for the Wings last season, decided to sign with Chicago. The last major news for Dallas this week involves 2020 draftee Bella Alarie, who announced her retirement from basketball. Before the announcement, Alarie and the team agreed to a suspension of the last year of her contract, removing it from their books. We wish the best for Alarie in the new stage of her life.
Heading into next week, the next domino to fall will be what happens with Marina Mabrey. Since arriving in Dallas, she has improved every year and was a scoring option for the Wings last season. Currently a restricted free agent, Mabrey can field offers from anywhere. However, Dallas does have the space ($310,897, $248,612 factoring incomplete roster charges) to match whatever comes Mabrey’s way.
Indiana Fever
Indiana struggled badly last season, recording a franchise-low five wins. But the silver lining was receiving the first pick in the draft. The overwhelming majority of analysts believe that pick will be used on South Carolina’s Aliyah Boston. Boston is one of the most decorated prospects at the collegiate level right now and is expected to be a major piece of the Fever’s future (as long as she doesn’t exercise her extra Covid year of college eligibility). Aside from Indiana’s draft prospects, the team parted with veteran point guard Danielle Robinson to bring Kristy Wallace on board. Leading up to this week, the Fever were in the position of having cap space and draft picks to try and change the current trajectory of the franchise.
Week of 1/29:
The first acquisition that Indiana made this week was Erica Wheeler, who recently played for the Atlanta Dream. Wheeler, a former All-Star and All-Star Game MVP in her original stint with Indiana, has carved out a reputation as an extremely hard worker, an electrifying ball-handler and a playmaker that any team would be happy to have. Her current deal is for 2 years/$202,154, $202,154. This gives Indiana a veteran playmaking presence that would be lost with the Robinson trade. Indiana also signed Maya Caldwell (1 year/$68,000). Caldwell also played for Atlanta this past season by way of hardship contracts (one of them being due to an injury to Wheeler). In the nine games she played, Caldwell averaged 10.9 points per game shooting 18-for-32 (56.3%) from beyond the arc. Wheeler and Caldwell are expected to help upgrade the Fever backcourt. Indiana also signed Chelsey Perry, Rennia Davis, and Khayla Pointer to training camp contacts. Yesterday, it was reported that Victoria Vivians re-signed with the Fever.
With outstanding qualifying offers extended to Emma Cannon and Temi Fagbenle, what happens with those players is something to look out for if you are a Fever fan. Tiffany Mitchell, who has been a part of the Fever since 2016, signed with the Minnesota Lynx. However, Indiana still has cap space and assets to further surprise us. The only question is will they.
Las Vegas
During the 2022 playoffs, the Las Vegas Aces used the tagline “Raise the Stakes” en route to its first-ever WNBA championship. In this offseason, they definitely did so. First, the Aces made the decision to trade away two-time Sixth Player of the Year, Dearica Hamby, (and a 2024 first-round pick) to the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for the negotiating rights to Amanda Zahui B. and a 2024 second-round pick. The move generated controversy, primarily because of Hamby’s claims that the organization treated her in a discriminatory fashion, bullied her, and backtracked on original promises made to her, all due to her pregnancy. This led the WNBPA to immediately launch an investigation that is ongoing.
From a business standpoint, the move cleared cap space for the Aces, which set the stage for Candace Parker to announce her decision to join the Aces. This has prompted many fans to call Vegas a superteam and rightfully so. The Aces have kept most of their championship core intact while adding one of the greatest basketball players ever. Continuing the Aces’ stockpiling of talent, it was also announced that Alysha Clark had intentions to sign with Vegas as well. Clark, who recently played with the Mystics, is a two-time champion and has made appearances on All-Defensive teams.
Week of 1/29:
The only thing left for Vegas entering the past week was for Parker and Clark to sign on the dotted line. Free agency signings (except for acceptances of qualifying offers) officially started on Feb. 1, so the Aces had to wait until then to make it legit. Parker and Clark took pay cuts to make the roster construction work:
Parker: 1 year/$100,000 (unprotected); previous salary: $195,000
Clark: 2 years/$110,000, $110,000 (protected); previous salary: $183,000
Another interesting signing that took place was that of Cayla George (1 year, $74,305 - not considered a training camp contract due to it being protected). George is a four-time champion in the Australian WNBL (Women’s National Basketball League) and is expected to provide pivotal depth to the Aces’ frontcourt. Las Vegas wrapped up its queen's ransom by announcing the training camp signings of Alexis Peterson and Courtney Range. Peterson, a former member of the Syracuse Orange, is no stranger to the W. She played 17 games for Seattle in 2017 and has been on numerous training camp rosters since then. Range is looking to finally break through and register WNBA minutes.
As it currently stands, the Aces have only $23,499 of cap space left. On Sunday, after the week of 1/29, Las Vegas traded the negotiating rights to Amanda Zahui B. to Washington for their 2024 and 2025 second-round picks.
Los Angeles Sparks
Since the hirings of Curt Miller (head coach) and Karen Bryant (general manager), Los Angeles has been busy. After a 2022 season that initially had high expectations with the acquisitions of Chennedy Carter and Liz Cambage, things ultimately did not go their way. The Sparks missed the playoffs and their draft pick is now held by Washington. In trades with Connecticut and Las Vegas, Los Angeles acquired Jasmine Thomas, Dearica Hamby, the 10th overall draft pick in 2023, and an additional 2024 first-round pick. Before signings officially began, the Sparks made major splashes by bringing two All-Star caliber players to Hollywood while gaining a first-round pick for this year.
Week of 1/29:
The Sparks were busy on Feb. 1, signing Stephanie Talbot (2 years/$112,000, $115,000) and Lexie Brown (2 years/$78,000, $80,340). Talbot saw an increased role with Seattle in last year’s playoffs. Brown was one of Los Angeles’ best shooting options, knocking down the second-most threes for the team in 2022. This signing also reunites Brown with Miller, who coached her in Connecticut in 2018. During this past week, the Sparks lost one of their main defensive options in Brittney Sykes. The league’s steals leader in 2021 and 2022, Sykes took her talents back east, joining the Washington Mystics. Although the Sparks lost Sykes, they would go on to sign Azurá Stevens (2 years/$190,000, $195,000). Stevens’ size, shooting, and shot blocking made her one of the more coveted frontcourt free agents this offseason. With the acquisitions of Hamby and Stevens, Los Angeles’ frontcourt has received a major upgrade.
Looking into next week, there are still some things to look out for. Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike have not yet signed, but per the ESPN Free Agency Special, it is expected that both will re-sign with the Sparks. Nneka has played for Los Angeles since entering the league in 2012, was named the WNBA MVP 2016, and was crucial in the Sparks’ efforts in winning the championship that year. Chiney joined the Sparks in 2019 after a four-year stint with the Connecticut Sun, where she was coached by Miller. Also, Rachel Galligan reported last night that 2017 All-Star Layshia Clarendon, will be signing with the Sparks. Unlike many other teams, Los Angeles does not have any outstanding qualifying offers. After the likely retention of the Ogwumike sisters and the signing of Clarendon, the Sparks may look to make a few more moves and then focus on the draft now that they have a first-round pick again.
Minnesota
Heading into this offseason, Minnesota had some gaps that it needed to fill: playmaking and a frontcourt presence. With the retirement of Sylvia Fowles last year and Moriah Jefferson’s status as an unrestricted free agent, Minnesota needed to find players to fill the void. The Lynx missed the playoffs last year but netted the second overall pick in this year’s draft. With enough cap space to bring in a star on a max contract, potential targets included names such as Breanna Stewart and Azurá Stevens. But, as fate would have it last week, it was not meant to be.
Week of 1/29:
This week probably did not go the way Lynx fans were hoping it would. Minnesota missed out on most of the major free agents in the market. One of the most crushing moments has to have been Stevens’ decision to join Los Angeles. Per Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times, the final three teams Stevens considered were Chicago, Los Angeles, and Minnesota. On the plus side, the Lynx were able to bring back Bridget Carleton, Damiris Dantas, Nikolina Milić, and Lindsay Allen (Carleton at 1 year/$91,000; Milić at 1 year/$90,000, Dantas and Allen on training camp contracts). Tiffany Mitchell, formerly of the Indiana Fever, signed with the Lynx at 2 years/$135,000, $139,050. On Feb. 4, the Lynx also signed Maya Dodson, Stephanie Watts, and Kiana Williams to training camp contracts. Minnesota was not able to sign a big name. However, along with the recent moves, they also have Kayla McBride, Aerial Powers, Napheesa Collier, and Jessica Shepard under contract.
Minnesota also has two first-round picks in the upcoming draft: its own and Las Vegas’ (acquired last year). One option is moving Natalie Achonwa’s contract to clear cap space. But, after seeing what transpired with Vegas, the possibility of public backlash could serve as a deterrent. However, if there is no animosity behind the move, it might not be poorly received.
New York Liberty
Start spreading the news….
If Las Vegas set the W ablaze this offseason, the New York Liberty poured kerosene on the fire. After reports surfaced last season that Breanna Stewart took a meeting with New York’s ownership group, #StewYorkCity was born. Fans of the team clamored for Stewart to join them, but ultimately she re-signed with the Storm for one season. However, no one could have predicted what would happen this offseason. The Liberty landed the 2021 MVP, Jonquel Jones, in a three-team trade involving Connecticut and Dallas. One of the best players in the W, Jones is expected to elevate New York into a legitimate title contender. Also coming to New York in the trade was Kayla Thornton from Dallas, a two-way forward that can bolster NY’s wing depth. As mentioned by Her Hoop Stats’ own Richard Cohen, this trade actually freed up cap space for New York. Once this became known, eyes were on what Breanna Stewart would do next.
Week of 1/29:
After weeks of cryptic emoji-laden tweets from Stewart, the 2018 MVP announced her intentions to sign with New York. This set the WNBA community and sports world in an uproar. Kevin Durant, star for the Brooklyn Nets, even voiced his pleasure with Stewart’s decision (especially after he disclosed his efforts in trying to bring Stewart to the Big Apple). The Liberty now had its own superteam to rival the juggernaut created by the Las Vegas Aces. In the midst of the excitement, some began to wonder what this meant for Betnijah Laney. Prior to the decision, it was reported that Courtney Vandersloot’s plans in free agency might play a role in Stewart’s decision. The Liberty would have to clear cap space to land Vandersloot at an amount she made last year with Chicago. Most automatically believed this would mean a parting with the 2021 All-Star. There was also the route of trading away Stefanie Dolson, however, some have seen her relationships with Stewart and Vandersloot as key to their arrival. But, according to reports by ESPN, Stewart intends to take a pay cut which would allow Vandersloot to join the team.
If the Liberty are able to bring Stewart and Vandersloot into the fold without having to move Laney, then that will be a coup for New York. For the Aces to sign Candace Parker and Alysha Clark, both took pay cuts. Given how the balance of power has shifted towards New York and Las Vegas, this could be the start of a trend, where the upper echelon of the W are willing to sharply reduce their salary to create a winning team. Heading into the upcoming weeks, Liberty fans should look out for some other things to be addressed:
What happens with Han Xu and Marine Johannès: Han and Johannès were key for New York last year. Han provided length, floor spacing, and defensive paint presence. Johannès was a terrific playmaker, dazzling the Brooklyn faithful with no-look passes and 3-point shooting. The Liberty extended reserved qualifying offers to both, which they can accept (would be 1 year/$62,285). But, given their performances last season, they could command more than that. Also, given both play overseas, New York would want to entice both to show up and not opt out this season. If Stewart and Vandersloot take a pay cut similar to those done by Vegas, New York should have enough space to try and entice Han and Johannès to come back for another season
Keeping the core for the long term: Most of New York’s current roster will be free agents after this season, thus the Liberty will most likely look to extend the contracts of key members. This would ensure New York’s superteam isn’t a one-year wonder. Something to look out for is if a rookie-scale extension is in the works for Sabrina Ionescu. Rookie-scale extensions can go up to the supermax, but given the armada that GM Jonathan Kolb has assembled, the extension may have to be team-friendly. An added benefit is not having to worry about matching any offers next year for Ionescu. The team can lock in an amount this season.
Phoenix Mercury
The biggest story involving Phoenix heading into the offseason was the wrongful detainment and subsequent release of Brittney Griner. After her release, Griner stated her intention to play for the Mercury this year. Phoenix began last year with some excitement after trading for Diamond DeShields and signing Tina Charles, but the Mercury’s 2022 campaign would be rocky. Griner was stuck in Russia, Charles ultimately departed for Seattle, and the team didn’t fit as initially thought. Although the Mercury made the playoffs, they would be short-handed due to injuries. With Skylar Diggins-Smith, DeShields, and Brianna Turner under contract and with a commitment from Griner, Phoenix just had to fill out the rest of the roster with quality pieces.
Week of 1/29:
Like Connecticut, this week was lukewarm for the Mercury. Sam Thomas and Megan Gustafson were signed to training camp contracts (through accepting their qualifying offers). The franchise’s main signing this week was Sophie Cunningham. Phoenix extended her a restricted qualifying offer in January, giving it the right to match any offers she received. It was expected that Phoenix would look to bring her back as she had her best season to date. Cunningham was a candidate for 2022 Most Improved Player, receiving the third most votes. Ultimately she re-signed with the Mercury for 2 years/$150,000, $154,500. Phoenix did lose some this week. Kia Nurse, who missed the 2022 season with injury, signed with Seattle
Heading into this week, fans of the Mercury will look to see what other moves the franchise can make. Diana Taurasi and Griner have not officially signed yet, nor has Shey Peddy. Peddy, like Cunningham, had a terrific 2022 campaign until it was halted due to injury. Kaela Davis, a late-season signing who was the team’s second-best scorer in the playoffs, announced she tore her Achilles overseas. Phoenix still has some cap space to try and round out the roster, but with more and more free agents coming off the market, it will have to act fast.
Seattle Storm
The elephant in the room this offseason was Breanna Stewart’s free agency decision. Seattle cored Jewell Loyd in 2022, and she signed a two-year deal, meaning that Seattle could not core Stewart this go-around. The Storm also needed a playmaker who could fill the void from Sue Bird’s retirement. Gabby Williams hasn’t been exactly clear on her 2023 WNBA plans (due to prioritization and its ramifications). Thus, the Storm were in a bit of limbo.
Week of 1/29:
Storm fans were hoping that Stewart and Courtney Vandersloot would end up in Seattle. The franchise could offer Stewart the supermax, and Vandersloot is from Washington state. However, both announced their intention to join New York. This left Seattle in a rut. One of the best players in the history of the franchise was gone, and the Storm still needed a playmaker. Seattle would not rest on their laurels, however. They made some signings that they believe will keep them afloat at least this season. Winsidr’s Rachel Galligan announced that Seattle would sign Arella Guirantes. She last played for the Sparks in 2021, before being released in 2022. Guirantes showcased her skills for Puerto Rico in the 2022 FIBA World Cup, leading the entire tournament in points. Although Puerto Rico was eliminated in the quarterfinals, Guirantes’ showing was well-received by many. The Storm also signed Kia Nurse (2 years/$142,500, $142,500), Sami Whitcomb (2 years/$142,500, $140,000), and Ezi Magbegor (2 years/$159,650, $155,000). Nurse is looking for a fresh start after Phoenix, and Seattle should be a good destination for the former All Star. This is Whitcomb’s second stint with Seattle. She was a member of the Storm’s 2018 and 2020 championship squads. Carving out a reputation as a sharpshooter, Whitcomb should help Loyd shoulder some of the offensive burden. Magbegor has been thought of as Seattle’s future. Second in the league in blocked shots per game last season and eighth in defensive rating, Magbegor has shown defensive promise. As she continues to improve, Storm fans may have brighter days ahead.
As it stands, Seattle still has cap space to sign players and try to focus on the post-Stewart era of Storm basketball. Williams still has not made a decision on if she will play in the W, but if looking for a bigger role this time, now’s the opportunity. Tina Charles, who the Storm signed mid-season last year, also has not announced her plans. So there are still some things for Seattle to figure out ahead of 2023.
Washington Mystics
The Mystics had a very successful 2022 regular season. Finishing fifth, Washington led the W in defensive rating and points allowed. After trading down for the third pick of the 2022 WNBA Draft, the Mystics selected Shakira Austin. Although a rookie, she was one of the better defenders in the league last year: third in player defensive rating and 14th in total blocks. Their franchise cornerstone since 2017, Elena Delle Donne also had a fantastic defensive showing: 10th in blocks per game and 11th in player defensive rating. Natasha Cloud and Ariel Atkins, their starting guards, would be selected to the 2022 All-Defensive First Team. Although the Mystics had a tenacious defensive showing, they were swept in the opening round of the playoffs by Seattle. During the off-season, Mike Thibault announced his retirement as head coach but would remain as GM. Filling the head coaching vacancy will be his son, Eric. Heading into this past week, the Mystics’ core was mostly intact but had enough cap space to add to that. One of the moves they made, although it does not currently have an effect on their space, was to sign Evina Westbrook to a training camp contract (due to the acceptance of a qualifying offer).
Week of 1/29:
Washington was one of Breanna Stewart’s four considered options. Despite not landing the superstar, the Mystics took it in stride, signing Brittney Sykes and re-signing Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (Sykes at 3 years/$190,000, $190,000, $195,000; Walker-Kimbrough at 2 years/$95,000, $97,850). Sykes, who has led the W in steals for the past two seasons, helps bolster an already strong Mystics defense. Also, despite Alysha Clark’s departure to Las Vegas, the Mystics should not have a significant drop-off in defensive presence. Walker-Kimbrough is in her second stint with the Mystics, providing a little of everything off the bench last season. The Mystics also signed Tianna Hawkins and Alisia Jenkins to training camp contracts. Hawkins, part of the Mystics’ 2019 championship squad, came off the bench for Washington in 2022, giving them frontcourt presence in the minutes she played. Jenkins last played in the W in 2020 for three teams: Indiana, Chicago, and Phoenix. Washington did lose Elizabeth Williams. The 6-foot-3 post played in 30 games for the Mystics last season but decided to sign with Chicago. One last move Washington made was rescinding the qualifying offer extended to Rui Machida. Machida, who led the 2020 Olympics in assists per game, managed to start two games last year.
The signings of Sykes and Walker-Kimbrough took up a sizable portion of the Mystics’ remaining cap space, but with $287,466 left ($100,611 factoring incomplete roster charges), Washington might not be completely finished yet with offseason moves. The Mystics also have the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, thanks to Atlanta and also Los Angeles. Yesterday, the Mystics acquired the negotiating rights for Amanda Zahui B. If signed, Washington improves upon its current frontcourt. With the acquisition of another top defender, possibly a quality big, and its 2022 squad mostly intact, Washington could be a surprise team heading into 2023.
Thanks for reading the Her Hoop Stats Newsletter. If you like our work, be sure to check out our stats site, our podcast, and our social media accounts on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.