WNBA free agency is in full swing, and some significant names are already making moves.
The most prominent move of the day was Skylar Diggins-Smith signing with the Seattle Storm.
The storm just got stronger ⛈️ Welcome to Seattle, @SkyDigg4! @seattlestorm | #TakeCover | #StormySky pic.twitter.com/9RfesGzv08
— Roc Nation Sports (@RocNationSports) February 1, 2024
Diggins-Smith, a six-time All-Star, had been absent for the past season and a half due to pregnancy and disagreements with her former team, the Phoenix Mercury. This signing reunites her with her college teammate and fellow WNBA superstar guard, Jewell Loyd. The addition of Diggins-Smith also fuels speculation about the Storm forming a new “big three” with Loyd, Diggins-Smith, and Nneka Ogwumike, an eight-time All-Star and the 2016 league MVP. Ogwumike is considering her potential free agency destinations, with the Storm, New York Liberty, and Chicago Sky among her options, according to her sister and ESPN reporter, Chiney.
Sources per @espn. 😜✨ pic.twitter.com/ydecqQgdc2
— Chiney Ogwumike (@chiney) February 1, 2024
The Atlanta Dream made several moves on the first day of free agency. They signed scoring guard Aerial Powers, eight-time All-Star Tina Charles, and two-time WNBA champion guard Jordin Canada.
“Go where you are valued and appreciated, not where you are tolerated,” Canada shared on social media following the announcement.
Canada and the Sparks’ No. 12 pick were traded to Atlanta in exchange for Aari McDonald and the No. 8 pick. Canada is currently playing alongside Dream forward Naz Hillmon in Australia.
“Shoutout to Naz Hillmon, for real,” Dream star Rhyne Howard posted on social media. “Doing the Lord’s work.”
WNBA champion guard and activist Natasha Cloud joined the Phoenix Mercury, filling the void left by Diggins-Smith in the backcourt. Cloud joins legends Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, and tenacious guard Sophie Cunningham.
It’s getting wild out west 👀
2019 WNBA Champion @T_Cloud4 is headed to Phoenix for the 2024 season!#WNBAFreeAgency pic.twitter.com/6rcvv1mfbP
— WNBA (@WNBA) February 1, 2024
The Sparks also saw another rotational player, Katie Lou Samuelson, depart as she signed with the Indiana Fever. Los Angeles has chosen to rebuild, holding the No. 2, 4, 8, and 28 picks in this year’s draft, which could include top prospects like Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, and Rickea Jackson.
Didi Richards made her return to the league after missing the previous season. She signed with the Washington Mystics and announced the move on her podcast, “3 on 3.”
DiDi Richards is heading to the @WashMystics! @Deauzya joins @SheKnowsSports for a bonus episode of #3on3 to share why she made the big move from Australia back to the WNBA. pic.twitter.com/xhlJePZp79
— 3on3Pod (@the3on3Pod) February 1, 2024
The next major move to watch for in the WNBA offseason is what Candace Parker decides. The 37-year-old, coming off a season-ending injury with the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, has a thriving broadcasting career. The team that brought back Kiah Stokes and Sydney Colson has also signed Megan Gustafson, who plays Parker’s position. This could be a farewell season or retirement for one of the game’s greatest players.
