WNBA Free Agency 2025: Top 10 Players and Their Best Team Fits

WNBA Free Agency 2025: Anticipating Major Player Movements and Team Strategies

As the WNBA’s 2025 free agency period kicks off, fans and analysts alike are bracing for a whirlwind of player movements and strategic team decisions. The excitement began on Tuesday with the start of contract negotiations, and players will be able to officially sign with teams starting February 1. Among the notable developments, six high-profile free agents have been given the core designation, meaning their path to a new team would require a trade.

Adding to the intrigue is the situation with guard Jewell Loyd, who, while not a free agent, is seeking a trade from the Seattle Storm. Loyd’s potential move is expected to have a ripple effect, influencing various team strategies and player decisions across the league.

As teams begin to make deals and shape their rosters, the landscape of the WNBA could see significant changes. While anything is possible, two of the most prominent free agents are anticipated to remain with their current teams: Breanna Stewart with the New York Liberty, fresh off a WNBA championship win, and Nneka Ogwumike with the Seattle Storm. However, the future destinations of other players remain uncertain, adding to the suspense of this free agency period.

ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, Michael Voepel, and Kevin Pelton have delved into the top 10 free agents likely to be on the move, as well as Loyd, to explore where they might best fit for the 2025 WNBA season. The players are listed according to Pelton’s ranking of the top 10 free agents.

Jewell Loyd, G

2024 stats: 19.7 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.6 APG
Age: 31

Best fit: Las Vegas Aces

Loyd’s successful partnership with Breanna Stewart in Seattle, which resulted in championships in 2018 and 2020, demonstrated her effectiveness as a perimeter player complementing a dominant frontcourt. In Las Vegas, she could replace Kelsey Plum and join forces with three-time MVP A’ja Wilson. This move could be facilitated if Plum decides to leave, allowing the Aces to acquire Loyd in a trade.

Other top option: Chicago Sky

A return to her hometown with the Chicago Sky is another possibility for Loyd. With the Sky not extending a qualifying offer to their leading perimeter scorer, Chennedy Carter, Loyd could fill the void in their backcourt. — Pelton

Alyssa Thomas, F

2024 stats: 10.6 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 7.9 APG
Age: 32

Best fit: Connecticut Sun

Thomas has been a cornerstone of the Connecticut Sun, embodying the team’s gritty and often underestimated spirit. However, her recent comments about the Sun’s lack of player amenities suggest a potential departure. As she is cored by Connecticut, a trade would be necessary for her to leave. Her unique playing style would require a team to build its system around her, and her fiancée, DeWanna Bonner, could also influence her decision.

Other top options: Phoenix Mercury, Minnesota Lynx

The Phoenix Mercury, potentially undergoing significant changes, could be a new home for Thomas, especially if they surround her with shooters. The Minnesota Lynx, with coach Cheryl Reeve, who encouraged Thomas to join the USA Basketball national team, could also be a fit. — Philippou

Emma Meesseman, F

2024 stats: DNP in WNBA
Age: 31

Best fit: Connecticut Sun

Emma Meesseman’s potential return to the WNBA is bolstered by the hiring of her national team coach, Rachid Melziane, as the Sun’s head coach. Meesseman, a two-time All-Star and 2019 Finals MVP, could thrive in Melziane’s system, as evidenced by her standout performance at the Olympics.

Other top options: Minnesota Lynx, New York Liberty

The Minnesota Lynx, with a system focused on ball movement, could be a good fit for Meesseman, reuniting her with assistant Eric Thibault. The New York Liberty, where she could play alongside Breanna Stewart, is another intriguing option. — Pelton

Kelsey Plum, G

2024 stats: 17.8 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 4.2 APG
Age: 30

Best fit: Golden State Valkyries

For Kelsey Plum, the Golden State Valkyries represent a fresh start as an expansion team. In her home state of California, Plum could become a star, potentially the star, of the Valkyries, reuniting with former assistant coach Natalie Nakase and teammate Kate Martin.

Other top options: Los Angeles Sparks, Seattle Storm

The Los Angeles Sparks could be a landing spot for Plum, adding star power to their young roster. Seattle, where Plum’s jersey was recently retired, is another potential destination. — Philippou

Brittney Griner, C

2024 stats: 17.8 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 2.3 APG
Age: 34

Best fit: Las Vegas Aces

Brittney Griner’s decision to test free agency has sent shockwaves through the WNBA. While she previously declared Phoenix as her home, the possibility of joining the Las Vegas Aces, where she could team up with A’ja Wilson, is an intriguing option.

Other top options: Phoenix Mercury, Dallas Wings

Griner might still choose to stay in Phoenix or consider a move to Dallas, closer to her hometown of Houston. The Wings would need to make some roster adjustments to accommodate her. — Philippou

Satou Sabally, F

2024 stats: 17.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 5.0 APG (15 games)
Age: 26

Best fit: New York Liberty

Satou Sabally’s potential move to the New York Liberty, where she could join her sister Nyara and former Oregon teammate Sabrina Ionescu, has generated buzz. However, with Sabally cored by Dallas, a significant trade would be required.

Other top options: Indiana Fever, Phoenix Mercury

Sabally could complement Aliyah Boston in Indiana’s frontcourt or fill a need for the Phoenix Mercury, who struggled at the power forward position last season. — Philippou

Brionna Jones, F

2024 stats: 13.7 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 53.8% FG
Age: 29

Best fit: Connecticut Sun

Brionna Jones has been a key player for the Sun, evolving from a backup to a starter and earning accolades along the way. With potential changes in the Sun’s roster, Jones could provide stability and leadership.

Other top options: Dallas Wings, Phoenix Mercury

Jones could reunite with familiar faces in Dallas or become part of the buzz surrounding potential changes in Phoenix. — Voepel

DeWanna Bonner, F/G

2024 stats: 15.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.0 APG
Age: 37

Best fit: Phoenix Mercury

DeWanna Bonner, a veteran with a storied career, could return to the Phoenix Mercury, where she began her WNBA journey. Her experience and defensive prowess make her a valuable asset, and her partnership with fiancée Thomas could influence her decision.

Other top options: Connecticut Sun, Indiana Fever

Bonner might remain with the Sun or consider a move to Indiana, where she could provide veteran leadership and defensive skills. — Voepel

Kelsey Mitchell, G

2024 stats: 19.2 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.8 APG
Age: 29

Best fit: Indiana Fever

Kelsey Mitchell has been a consistent performer for the Indiana Fever, forming a dynamic backcourt with Caitlin Clark. With the Fever’s recent improvements and Mitchell’s proximity to her hometown, she is likely to stay.

Other top options: Seattle Storm, Las Vegas Aces

Both the Storm and the Aces could see Mitchell as a valuable addition to their backcourt, given her scoring ability and shooting accuracy. — Voepel

Courtney Vandersloot, G

2024 stats: 6.4 PPG, 4.8 APG
Age: 35

Best fit: Minnesota Lynx

Courtney Vandersloot’s potential move to the Minnesota Lynx could provide the team with a seasoned point guard, complementing their existing roster. Her experience and leadership would be valuable assets.

Other top option: Chicago Sky

A return to Chicago, where Vandersloot has strong ties, could be a possibility. Her presence would offer mentorship to the Sky’s younger players, though it might not align with her championship aspirations. — Pelton