WNBA free agency tracker: Breanna Stewart to Liberty, Candace Parker to Aces & every major signing

Well, the 2023 WNBA free agency period has certainly started off with a bang.

Coming into the offseason, I highlighted 10 players that could alter the landscape of the WNBA by deciding to move on to another franchise. Hours into free agency officially beginning, we knew that at least three of the 10 would indeed be moving on to a new team.

As the landscape shifts, we’ve got you covered with some of the biggest transactions that are highlighting a busy offseason in the WNBA.

WNBA free agency news 2023

Breanna Stewart to sign with New York Liberty

In arguably the biggest transaction in league history, Stewart announced on Twitter that she would be joining the Liberty this season.

A two-time WNBA champion, two-time Finals MVP and last year’s scoring champ, Stewart is an elite talent that joins a Liberty roster that also features Sabrina Ionescu and 2021 WNBA MVP Jonquel Jones. Each member of New York’s new trio earned an All-WNBA selection last season — Stewart on the First Team and Ionescu and Jones on the Second Team.

It’s safe to say the signing got their stamp of Stewart’s new teammates, as well as a well-known New York resident.

Stewart joined ESPN’s “NBA Today” to explain her decision, saying, “I decided to go to New York because I want to continue to be great. I want to go to the place where I can continue to help this league become better — to continue to raise the standard.

“Why not go to the biggest market in all of sports?” Stewart continued. “I’m really excited to go after their first championship.”

Candace Parker to join Las Vegas Aces

Parker, a two-time champion, two-time league MVP and one of the greatest to ever play the game, took to Instagram to announce that she would be joining the defending champion Aces.

Parker is just one year removed from leading her hometown Sky to a 2021 WNBA title and now joins an Aces team that features last year’s MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in A’ja Wilson, as well as a First Team All WNBA guard in Kelsey Plum.

Of her decision, Parker said “it was bittersweet leaving Chicago, but it was necessary. I’m excited to join the Aces.

“I think it’s a great family move, career move. Back with Chelsea Gray, I’m excited about that. A’ja Wilson — (I) have always been a fan of hers — and playing with her. I’m ready for the challenge and I’m excited.”

With Parker, Plum, Wilson and Jackie Young, the Aces starting unit will feature four former No. 1 overall picks. And it’s important not to overlook veteran Gray, who was named MVP of the 2022 WNBA Finals and Commissioner’s Cup.

Courtney Vandersloot to join New York Liberty superteam

Vandersloot, a four-time All-Star who spent each of the first 12 seasons of her WNBA career with the Sky, is still one of the game’s best playmakers. The night before free agency began, Vandersloot took to Twitter to pen a “thank you” to Chicago and announce that she would be moving on via free agency.

Vandersloot announced she would take her talents to New York, joining star forward Stewart to create a superteam with the Liberty.

Nneka Ogwumike to stay in LA

According to Williams, Ogwumike is expected to re-sign with the Sparks.

Ogwumike, the 2012 No. 1 overall pick and 2016 league MVP, has spent the entirety of her WNBA career in Los Angeles. Last season, she was a constant for a team with plenty of ups and downs, averaging 18.1 points and 6.6 rebounds over 34 games.

WNBA free agency tracker 2023

WNBA free agency tracker 2023

Source: https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/wnba-free-agency-tracker-breanna-stewart-liberty-candace-parker-aces/g2byljbr98m4opstdxahpgtm