What's Going On With The WNBA
Rick Scuteri-Imagn ImagesCourtney Vandersloot re-signs with Sky amid ACL rehab appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Chicago Sky have had a busy offseason so far, signing All-Star point guard Skylar Diggins and trading Ariel Atkins to the Los Angeles Sparks for promising young forward Rickea Jackson, while also trading away Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream. The latest move the Sky made in free agency was to bolster their roster depth with the re-signing of Courtney Vandersloot, as per Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune.
Courtney Vandersloot’s new free agency contract with the Sky is for two years, and she’s presumably still recovering from the ACL injury that prematurely ended her season last year. With Diggins in place, the Sky can afford to be patient with Vandersloot’s recovery.
Last offseason, Vandersloot returned to the team where she played a pivotal role during the 2021 championship run, after playing two seasons for the New York Liberty. She was off to a solid start before having her year cut short due to the injury.
She was limited to only seven games at a little over 27 minutes per game. She averaged 10.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.6 steals with splits of 43.9 percent shooting from the field, 21.7 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 84.6 percent shooting from the free-throw line.
The No. 3 overall pick in the 2011 WNBA Draft, Vandersloot had played her entire career with the Sky until signing with the Liberty in 2023. The five-time All-Star will be entering her 16th season in the league. In addition to the 2021 title with the Sky, Vandersloot also helped the Liberty win the 2024 WNBA championship.
Related: DiJonai Carrington is next piece of Sky’s offseason overhaul
Related: Sky’s bombshell offseason continues with Ariel Atkins-Rickea Jackson Sparks trade swap
The Chicago Sky are moving on quickly from Angel Reese as they have acquired a new double-digit scorer in Rickea Jackson from the Los Angeles Sparks.
The Sky made headlines last week when they decided to part ways with their All-Star, Reese, who averaged 14.7 points and 12.6 rebounds last season. The separation reportedly stems from the forward’s criticism of the team and her teammates.
Jackson, who was the fourth overall pick in 2024, averaged 14 points and 3.6 rebounds last season while shooting 43.9% from the field. The Sky acquired her by sending guard Ariel Watkins to the Sparks.
“It’s thrilling to acquire one of the great young talents in this league in Jackson,” Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a statement.
“Rickea is only going to continue to ascend, and the organization is excited to witness that growth firsthand.”
Angel Reese on the Chicago Sky bench during a game vs Seattle StormKamil Krzaczynski-Imagn ImagesThe Sky front office feels optimistic about its partnership with Jackson. The team is moving on quickly from Reese, and it appears they are ready to turn the page—at least according to her fans.
Jackson received her jersey number shortly after the announcement. She will wear No. 5, the same number Reese wore for the team.
Fans thought this is intentional on the part of the Sky and it is aimed at Reese.
"Damn gave my girl number away quick as hell," one commenter said.
"Damn wasted no time, gave her Angel’s #," said another.
They think they did Reese dirty.
"Rickea Jackson gonna look good asf in that Chicago sky uniform but yall should’ve picked any other number than five lmaoo."
"Yall gave her 5?! Nasty work," a strong reaction from another user reads.
"oh yall hated my girl"
"Yall are sick"
As for Reese, she is now focusing on her new team, the Atlanta Dream, which has already seen financial gains following the move, with ticket sales increasing and her jersey selling out. Dream general manager Dan Padover said acquiring her was an opportunity they can't pass up.
"We always look forward," Padover said. "To get an opportunity to bring a player of Angel's talent in, and someone that our players deeply respect, for us, it was a no-brainer."
"She makes us more versatile on offense," he said. "She's going to get us extra possessions [with her rebounding].
Related: Angel Reese Makes Announcement After Dream Trade
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn ImagesNatasha Howard leaves Fever for $1.4 million Lynx reunion appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Minnesota Lynx made one of their first major offseason splashes of the free agency period with the signing of veteran forward Natasha Howard, as per Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. The signing comes on the heels of the Lynx also agreeing to bring back starting guard Courtney Williams.
Natasha Howard’s new contract in free agency with the Lynx is expected to be for two years and worth a total of $1.4 million. The Lynx had watched several key players depart the team in free agency this offseason including Alanna Smith to the Dallas Wings, Natisha Hiedeman to the Seattle Storm and Jessica Shepard also to the Wings.
Howard is returning to the franchise where she played for two seasons in 2016 and 2017, and was a part of the 2017 championship run. Howard also won championships with the Storm in 2018 and 2020.
The No. 5 overall pick in the 2015 WNBA Draft, Howard began her career with the Indiana Fever. She most recently played for the Fever last season, appearing in all 44 games at a little over 24 minutes per game. She averaged 11.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals with splits of 55.2 percent shooting from the field, 18.2 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 71.2 percent shooting from the free-throw line.
In addition to signing Howard, the Lynx continued to add depth to their frontcourt rotation with the signing of veteran forward Nia Coffey, as per Kendra Andrews of ESPN. Coffey has spent the last four seasons playing for the Atlanta Dream.
Last year, she appeared in all 44 games, including two starts, at a little over 10 minutes per game. She averaged 3.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.0 assists with splits of 37.4 percent shooting from the field, 29.3 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 72 percent shooting from the free-throw line.
The Lynx will need adequate frontcourt depth as Napheesa Collier is still recovering from an injury.
Related: Kayla McBride re-signs with Lynx after historic season
Related: Courtney Williams re-signs with Lynx despite end of StudBudz era
Fans cheer from the stands as the Mercury play against the New York Liberty at PHX Arena, Aug. 30, 2025, in Phoenix. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesPHOENIX — WNBA free agency has been in full throttle, but frustration is building among Phoenix Mercury fans who are watching teams make major moves while their own front office remains quiet.
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) celebrates their win over the New York Liberty 79-73 to win the series during Game Three of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs first round at PHX Arena on Sept. 19, 2025, in Phoenix. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The only move reported so far has been All-Star Alyssa Thomas re-signing, according to Andscape’s Sean Hurd. Natasha Mack, Kiana Williams, and Kathryn Westbeld received qualifying contracts. Kalani Brown is currently on the team’s roster, per the club’s website, but there have been no other signings.
Even former Mercury forward Satou Sabally has found a new home with the New York Liberty, a small blow for the organization as she was part of last season’s “Big Three” alongside Thomas.
That has left fans wondering what Phoenix has planned, with the tone shifting from patience to urgency.
The sentiment underscores a concern about the Mercury’s direction. The 2025 season was viewed as a rebuild, with several veteran Phoenix players moving on before the season began. While that reset helped push the team back into contention, this year’s roster must again address holes created by free agency and the expansion draft.
It also highlights the emotional aspect among fans, who want to see the team built to compete at a high level once again. But this offseason has sparked a feeling that is out of character and out of step with the organization’s identity.
The challenge is not just to improve talent internally, but also to remain a destination for elite players. With many top free agents finding homes elsewhere, that task has become more difficult for the front office.
Until then, the silence is becoming the story among Mercury fans and continues to raise questions about the team’s place in a rapidly changing WNBA landscape.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
WNBA free agency tracker 2026: Live updates on breaking news, signings and trades originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Armed with a new CBA -- forged by weeks of negotiating and years of labor organizing -- the WNBA is set to be filled with fireworks when free agency kicks off in earnest on April 9.
Sides were already locked in negotiations with restricted, reserved or core-eligible players. Signings won't filter in for good until April 12.
Free agency often is an action-packed affair. In 2025, Satou Sabally, Alyssa Thomas, Kelsey Plum and Jewell Loyd landed in different spots, as did the rights to Storm standout Dominique Malonga. One year on, movers and shakers have already made their presence felt. Angel Reese's trade to the Dream proved the kindling to a spring like no other in recent WNBA history. With more than 100 players set to hit the open market during the offseason, expect free agency -- and all the moves surrounding it -- to be a blazing inferno.
With that, The Sporting News is tracking live updates on all things WNBA free agency. Follow below for an updated list of players to land new contracts in 2026.
MORE: Live grades, analysis of WNBA free agency
WNBA free agency news, updates on signings and tradesSky continue retool, bring in DiJonai Carrington on one-year dealDate: April 12Source: Alexa PhilippouChicago landed another gemstone to its collection late Sunday afternoon, agreeing terms to a one-year deal with DiJonai Carrington. The 2024 WNBA Most Improved Player, Carrington averaged 8.6 points in 11 appearances with the Lynx last season after being traded from Dallas.
Lynx, Natasha Howard agree terms to two-year dealDate: April 12Source: Ramona ShelburneMercifully, Minnesota made its first free agent signing, bringing in Natasha Howard on a two-year deal. A two-time All-Star and former WNBA Defensive Player of the Year winner, Howard averaged 11.4 points and 6.6 rebounds in 44 games for the Fever last year.
Kayla McBride takes hometown discount to re-sign with LynxDate: April 12Source: Ramona ShelburneKayla McBride will return to the Lynx on a discounted deal, according to Shelburne. A five-time All-Star, McBride was eligible for a max contract. However, she opted to take less, looking to open up space for Minnesota to add to its roster.
Ezi Magbegor re-signs with StormDate: April 12Source: Seattle StormSeattle locked up four-time WNBA All-Defensive team selection Ezi Magbegor on a contract extension. The Australian big is one of the sport's most harrowing presences on defense. She averaged 8.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game in 2025.
Janelle Salaun, Cecilia Zandalisini, Iliana Rupert to return to the Valkyries on multiyear dealsDate: April 12Source: Golden State ValkyriesGolden State is bringing back its all-international trio of Janelle Salaun, Cecilia Zandalisini and Iliana Rupert on multiyear deals, the franchise announced on social media on Sunday. Each player proved pivotal to pushing the side to a postseason berth in its first season of existence.
Courtney Williams to return to Lynx on max dealDate: April 12Source: Alexa PhilippouAfter seeing a spate of gifted role players leave for greener pastures, the Lynx finally locked down some of their homegrown talent, securing veteran guard Courtney Williams to a two-year, max deal.
Gabby Williams signs multiyear deal with ValkyriesDate: April 12Source: Noe DelaunayGabby Williams will take her talents to Golden State, inking a multiyear deal to join the Valkyries. Williams spurned the Aces and Lynx to land in Golden State.
Kelsey Plum takes discount to stay with SparksDate: April 12Source: Shams CharaniaKelsey Plum is signing a one-year, $999,999 deal to return to Los Angeles. Plum was eligible for the $1.4 million supermax contract, but decided to take a pay cut to build a contender with Los Angeles.
Sophie Cunningham returns to FeverDate: April 12Source: Alexa PhilippouAfter spending the 2025 season with Caitlin Clark and the Fever, Sophie Cunningham is running it back with Indiana, signing a one-year deal with the organization. She joins guards Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull as Fever returners. Cunningham averaged 8.6 points, playing in mostly a bench/depth role for Indiana.
Satou Sabally agrees to join LibertyDate: April 11Source: Alexa PhilippouAfter leading the Phoenix Mercury to their first WNBA Finals since 2021, Satou Sabally will shift coasts and join the New York Liberty. She played just one season in Phoenix after being traded from the Dallas Wings, where she spent five seasons. In 2025, Sabally averaged 16.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.
Sparks re-sign Dearica HambyDate: April 11Source: Alexa PhilippouDearica Hamby announced she is re-signing with the Los Angeles Sparks after averaging a career-high 18.4 points per game last season
Sky acquire Jacy Sheldon from Mystics Date: April 11Source: Alexa PhilippouThe Mystics are trading guard Jacy Sheldon to the Sky for a 2028 first-round pick. The 25-year-old Sheldon appeared in only two games with the Mystics after coming over from the Sun and averaged 7.5 points per game.
Fever re-sign Lexie Hull to multi-year dealDate: April 11Source: Alexa PhilippouAfter taking on a larger role as the Fever dealt with injuries in 2025, Lexie Hull is re-signing with Indiana on a multi-year deal
Sky bring back Azura StevensDate: April 11Source: Alexa PhilippouThe Sky are re-signing forward Azura Stevens to a three-year deal after a breakout season in which she finished second in Most Improved Player voting.
Brittney Griner joins Sun on seven-figure dealDate: April 10Source: Alexa PhilippouFormer Mercury and Dream star Brittney Griner is signing a "seven-figure deal" with the Connecticut Sun in their final season before moving to Houston.
Jewell Lloyd finalizing deal with AcesDate: April 10
Source: Andraya Carter
Six-time All-Star Jewell Lloyd is returning to Las Vegas on a three-year deal, per Carter.
Naz Hillmon re-signing with DreamDate: April 10
Source: Kendra Andrews
Naz Hillmon, the WNBA's reigning Sixth Player of the Year, has landed a new three-year deal with Atlanta, per Andrews.
Arike Ogunbowale signing 'seven-figure' deal with WingsDate: April 10
Source: Alexa Philippou
Star guard Arike Ogunbowale is returning to the wings on a "seven-figure, multi-year deal," per Philippou.
While Ogunbowale was eligible for the $1.4M supermax, she is reportedly taking less than that for Dallas "to be able to build a quality roster."
Allisha Gray re-signs with the DreamDate: April 10
Source: Sean Hurd
Allisha Gray is returning to the Dream on a three-year deal that will be worth "max-plus" money, per Hurd.
Natisha Hiedemen 'expected' to sign with StormDate: April 10
Source: Khristina Williams
Williams reports that Seattle is expected to sign guard Natisha Hiedeman. The 29-year-old averaged 9.1 points and 2.8 assists per game for the Lynx last season.
Alyssa Thomas returning to MercuryDate: April 10
Source: Sean Hurd
Phoenix is bringing back Alyssa Thomas, per Hurd, finalizing a deal with the forward who averaged around 15 points per game last season.
Tempo agree to deals with Marina Mabrey, Brittney SykesDate: April 10
Source: Alexa Philippou
Toronto has agreed to terms with guards Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes, per Philippou. Both agreed to two-year max contracts, making them the first known million dollar backcourt duo.
Dallas re-signing Awak KuierDate: April 10
Source: Khristina Williams
Per Williams, 2021 second-overall pick Awak Kuier is re-signing with the Wings, having last appeared in the WNBA in 2023. In 2025, Kuier competed in the Turkish Women's Basketball Super League.
Sky 'exploring' sign-and-trade with Ariel Atkins, Rickea JacksonDate: April 10
Source: Khristina Williams
Per Williams, Chicago is "exploring" sign-and-trade framework involving Ariel Atkins, with Rickea Jackson set to come from Sparks as part of the potential deal.
Nneka Ogwumike to sign with SparksDate: April 10
Source: Nneka Ogwumike
Ogwumike is heading back to Los Angeles, she announced in a social media post captioned, "It was always see you later, now I’ll see you soon."
After two seasons in Seattle, the star forward is returning to her longtime Sparks team. In her first stint with the franchise, she became an eight-time WNBA All-Star, an MVP and won a championship in 2016.
Las Vegas stays busy, re-signs Jackie YoungDate: April 9
Source: Alexa Phillippou
The Aces stayed busy on Thursday and are finalizing a deal to re-sign Young. It is reportedly a one-year deal worth the regular max which is $1.19 million after the new CBA. The veteran guard has spent the entirety of her seven-year career with Las Vegas. Last year, Young started all 44 games and averaged 16.5 points with 5.1 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game.
Aces announce re-signing of Kiersten BellDate: April 9
Source: Team X account
The Aces are re-signing Kiersten Bell. She has spent all four years of her career in Las Vegas. Last season, Bell played in 35 games and averaged 4.2 points with 1.8 rebounds in 12.2 minutes per game.
Damaris Dantas to re-sign with FeverDate: April 9
Source: Roberta Rodrigues, Forbes
The Fever are slated to bring back Damaris Dantas, who has spent each of the past two seasons in Indiana. Dantas, 33, averaged 4.6 points and 2.4 rebounds in 38 games in 2025.
Sky, Sparks engaged in talks over Ariel Atkins-Rickea Jackson swapDate: April 9
Source: Annie Costabile, Front Office Sports
The Sky and Sparks are working on a trade that would see Ariel Atkins sent to Los Angeles in exchange for 2024 No. 4 pick Rickea Jackson. The trade hasn't been agreed yet. But an announcement is expected to be made in the next few days.
Atkins averaged 13.1 points, 3.6 assists and 3.4 rebounds in 24 games with Chicago last year. Jackson, meanwhile, averaged 14.0 points and 3.6 rebounds in 38 games in Los Angeles.
Liberty interested in Defensive Player of the Year Team center Alanna SmithDate: April 9
Source: Madeline Kenney, New York Post
The Liberty are rumored to be interested in Lynx center Alanna Smith, per Kenney. Smith was the league's reigning co-Defensive Player of the Year (alongside A'ja Wilson).
MORE: Latest 2026 WNBA mock draft
Li Yueru, Grace Berger to return to Wings on qualifying offersDate: April 8
Source: Meghan L. Hall, USA Today
Dallas will bring back rotation pieces Li Yueru and Grace Berger, per Hall. Yueru averaged 20.0 minutes, 7.4 points and 5.8 rebounds in 22 games for the Wings after joining the Wings via trade. Berger, meanwhile, is a former first-round pick who averaged 22.3 minutes per game with Dallas last year.
Nneka Ogwumike to sign with Minnesota?Date: April 8
Source: Alexa Philippou, ESPN
Source: Former WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike is slated to test the waters in free agency after seeing her contract with the Storm expire. A local balloon company looked to have broke news that Ogwumike was signing with Minnesota. However, the image appears to show the Lynx's pitch to Ogwumike. It is not confirmation of Ogwumike's signing, however.
Satou Sabally not expected to re-sign with Mercury, per reportDate: April 7
Source: Annie Costabile, Front Office Sports
For the third time in three seasons, Satou Sabally will be on a new roster. Per Costabile, Sabally is not expected to re-sign with the Mercury, the team she landed on via trade last offseason. Sabally immediately becomes one of the most coveted players on the market, with Costabile reporting that the three-time All-Star and one-time All-WNBA first teamer is expected to have a host of meetings in the coming few days.
Core designations filter inDate: April 7
Source: Underdog WNBA
Ahead of the formal start of free agency negotiations, a slew of players have picked up Core qualifying offers. This is the WNBA's answer to the NFL's franchise tag, giving teams exclusive rights to negotiate with a player on their roster who would enter free agency otherwise. In return, the player lands a one-year deal at the supermax salary (last year, $249,244; this year, $1.4 million). Teams can still iron out long-term agreements with the player in question. The Core designation also serves as a way for teams to protect their assets, helping ensure a team gets something in return for its best player.
Here's a look at the players who have been offered Core qualifying deals by their respective organizations:
Kelsey Mitchell (Fever)Ariel Atkins (Sky)Sabrina Ionescu (Liberty)Allisha Gray (Dream)Arike Ogunbowale (Wings)Ezi Magbegor (Storm)Napheesa Collier (Lynx)Kelsey Plum (Sparks)Marina Mabrey (Tempo)Bridget Carleton (Fire)Dream acquire Angel Reese in trade with SkyDate: April 6
Source: Taylor Rooks, Amazon Prime
The Sky dipped further into their rebuild on April 6, dealing two-time All-Star Angel Reese to the Dream in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick and 2028 second-round pick swap.
MORE: Angel Reese trade grades
The move spells the end of Reese's two-year stint in the Windy City. She emerged as the league's preeminent rebounder during her time in Chicago colors. She'll look to offer similar exploits in Atlanta, where she'll join Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard and Bri Jones.
| Team | Receiving |
| Dream | F Angel Reese |
| Sky | 2027 first round pick, 2028 first round pick, 2028 second round pick swap |
Date: April 5
Source: Jackie Powell, The XI Sports
New York is slated to bring back star big Jonquel Jones, according to Powell. The Bahamian-born talent is one of the WNBA's finest players, having captured MVP honors during 2021 and Final MVP honors during the Liberty's title run in 2024. A five-time All-WNBA selection, Jones is one of multiple New York standouts that was slated to hit the open market, although the likelihood remains that Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu will stay in Liberty colors for the long-run.
Fire, Tempo complete expansion draftDate:
Source: Portland Fire, Toronto Tempo
The Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo forged the building blocks to their rosters over the weekend via expansion draft. The Fire selected Bridget Carleton with the first pick, while the Tempo went with Marina Mabrey. Here's a full look at their rosters following the conclusion of their draft:
Portland Fire roster:
| Previous Team | Player | Pos. |
| Lynx | Bridget Carleton | F |
| Valkyries | Carla Leite | G |
| Wings | Luisa Geiselsoder | C |
| Mystics | Emily Engstler | F |
| Dream | Maya Caldwell | G |
| Fever | Chloe Bibby | F |
| Wings | Haley Jones | G |
| Dream (rights) | Nyadiew Puoch | F |
| Sparks | Sarah Ashlee Barker | G |
| Mystics | Sug Sutton | G |
| Storm | Nika Muhl | G |
Toronto Tempo roster:
| Previous Team | Player | Pos. |
| Sparks | Julie Allemand | G |
| Liberty | Nyara Sabally | C |
| Sun | Marina Mabrey | G |
| Aces | Aaliyah Nye | G |
| Mercury | Lexi Held | G |
| Valkyries (rights) | Maria Conde | F |
| Lynx | Maria Kliundikova | F |
| Liberty (rights) | Adja Kane | F |
| Sun (rights) | Nikolina Milic | F |
| Mercury | Kitija Laksa | G |
| Fever (rights) | Kristy Wallace | G |
MORE: WNBA Expansion Draft grades 2026
Aces set to offer A'ja Wilson supermaxDate: March 18
Source: Callie Fin, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Days after the WNBA and its player union announced that it had reached an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement, the Aces are already making plans to lock up four-time MVP A'ja Wilson.
MORE: WNBA supermax contract, explained
Wilson, like many of the league's player population, is slated to his the open market in free agency. It seems unlikely she'll leave, however, with Las Vegas slated to make her the sport's highest-paid player.
Jun 19, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) reacts during the second half against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn ImagesPHOENIX — More moves are filtering in as the Phoenix Mercury bring back veteran guard Sami Whitcomb to the Valley.
According to ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike, the deal includes $1.4 million over two years guaranteed, securing a dynamic threat off the bench for the near future.
Whitcomb, known for her floor spacing and high-energy play, provided steady production for Phoenix last season, averaging 9.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Her ability to stretch defenses and move the ball added a complementary dimension alongside the Mercury’s primary scorers.
Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) dribbles the ball past Minnesota Lynx guard Natisha Hiedeman (2) in the second half during game one of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Bringing back Whitcomb also reinforces a key element of Phoenix’s offensive identity — perimeter shooting. With defenses often collapsing on interior threats and primary playmakers, her presence forces opponents to account for the 3-point line.
The guard’s experience also allows the Mercury to maintain flexibility in guard rotations, especially in late-game situations where shooting and decision-making are most critical.
Jun 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) against the Dallas Wings at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The value also extends beyond the box score. Whitcomb has become one of the league’s most seasoned veterans, building a reputation for thriving in structured systems and adapting to new roles. That adaptability proved important during Phoenix’s Finals run last year, where lineup adjustments and situational play were constant.
Phoenix’s move signals a continued emphasis on retaining players who understand the team’s culture and expectations. Whitcomb now joins Alyssa Thomas, Kahleah Copper and DeWanna Bonner as official re-signees, blending star power with dependable veterans.
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) celebrates a basket and foul with guard Sami Whitcomb (33) against the Washington Mystics during the fourth quarter at PHX Arena May 25, 2025.
For a team aiming to remain in the title conversation, keeping trusted contributors like Whitcomb may prove to be just as important as adding new talent.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 19: Alanna Smith #8 of the Minnesota Lynx poses with the 2025 Kia WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year award on September 19, 2025 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images The Minnesota Lynx just lost one of their cornerstones, as in one of the biggest moves of WNBA free agency so far, Alanna Smith is headed to Texas. The 2025 Co-Defensive Player of the Year is signing a max contract to join Paige Bueckers, the 2026 No. 1 Draft Pick, and Arike Ogunbowale on the Dallas Wings.
Paige, for one, was thrilled:
Grading Alanna Smith to the Dallas Wings: A+This is a deal that works so well for both sides. For Smith, she goes from someone who was waived just a few seasons ago to being paid the $1.19 million max salary in year one of a three-year contract. Dallas gets a much-needed presence in their frontcourt and a boost in defensive power and rim protection.
Smith also has chemistry with Arike, having just won an Unrivaled championship together last month. Her signing immediately boosts the potential of this rebuilding Wings team, and at +4,000, they now have the 8th best odds to win the 2026 championship, according to our friends at FanDuel.
This now shifts the offseason attention to the WNBA Draft, where there is no clear consensus on who the Wings will pick as they select No. 1 overall for the second year in a row. Before Smith signed, there was a clear need for a frontcourt presence, but now the situation is different. Will they pick a more traditional point guard option like Olivia Miles? A shooter in Azzi Fudd? Build out the depth behind Smith and draft her a rookie in Awa Fam or Lauren Betts?
All eyes are on Dallas now.
Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson (2) takes the ball down the court during WNBA game against Las Vegas Aces on Wednesday June 11, 2025 in Las Vegas. LOS ANGELES -- It had been rumbling for days now but this was still a surprise when first mentioned.
The Sparks rising star forward Rickea Jackson has been dealt to the Sky for guard Ariel Atkins, who was given the core designation by Chicago.
This is a straight-up player swap; no other assets involved https://t.co/o2r1vum9Xk
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) April 12, 2026Jackson seemed poised to be a franchise cornerstone for the Sparks. But Los Angeles decided to go on another direction and dealt for Atkins, a two-way player who was cast as the first scoring option in Chicago. Jackson goes to Chicago and joins Azurá Stevens, who signed in the Windy City on Saturday. She averaged 14.0 points and 3.6 rebounds in her two years in L.A.
Atkins has been in the league since 2018, when she was drafted by the Washington Mystics. She was part of the 2019 team that won the WNBA championship that season. Atkins would then get traded before the 2025 season to Chicago for a 2025 first round pick (that Washington used to select Sonia Citron) as well as a 2027 second round pick and the right to swap 2027 first round picks.
Aug 23, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky guard Ariel Atkins (7) drives to the basket against Connecticut Sun guard Saniya Rivers (22) during the second half at Wintrust Arena.Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Aug 23, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky guard Ariel Atkins (7) drives to the basket against Connecticut Sun guard Saniya Rivers (22) during the second half at Wintrust Arena.
Atkins gives the team much-needed defense as well as championship experience. She's also a proven scorer; she averaged 16.6 points to go along with 4.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists last season for the Sky.
“I’m super excited for this next chapter with the Los Angeles Sparks,” Atkins said. “From the culture to the vision, everything about this opportunity felt right. I can’t wait to get on the court, bring my energy, and be a part of something special.”
The Sparks turned from a young team into a veteran team almost overnight. The trade for Atkins signals further that the Sparks will go for it all.