WNBA Trade and Free Agency Tracker: Up-to-Date Offers and Information
As we enter the heart of the WNBA’s offseason, the trade and free agency periods have been rife with movement. Roster adjustments, trades, and signings shape the direction of the league’s teams, leading to new rivalries, super teams, and plenty of storylines to follow for the upcoming season. Here’s an in-depth look at the latest trades, signings, and other offseason moves that will impact the 2025 WNBA season. 
1. Major Trades in the WNBA
1.1 New York Liberty Land Sabrina Ionescu’s New Running Mate
The New York Liberty made waves early in the offseason by acquiring veteran forward Natasha Howard from the Seattle Storm. Howard, who was instrumental in the Liberty’s playoff runs over the past few seasons, became the centerpiece of a trade package that sent Benijah Laney and a couple of draft picks to the Storm. This was part of a broader strategy by the Liberty to bolster their frontcourt, pairing Howard with Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu in what could be one of the most formidable lineups in WNBA history.
This move positions New York as a legitimate championship contender, as Howard’s scoring ability and leadership alongside Stewart and Ionescu give the team one of the best offenses in the league. Howard’s veteran presence will help the team in clutch moments, especially as they look to compete with the dominant Las Vegas Aces.
1.2 Phoenix Mercury’s Rebuild – Trading Skylar Diggins-Smith
Another major trade in the offseason came when the Phoenix Mercury moved Skylar Diggins-Smith to the Dallas Wings. The trade, which included a combination of draft picks and role players, is a clear signal that the Mercury are entering a rebuilding phase. The Wings, meanwhile, are poised to make a run at a championship with the addition of a star guard in Diggins-Smith, whose playmaking ability and scoring prowess should fit seamlessly with Dallas’ high-powered offense.
For Phoenix, the focus will shift towards developing younger players and creating cap space for future moves. Diggins-Smith’s departure allows the team to give more minutes to younger stars like Sophie Cunningham and Megan Gustafson, while also clearing the way for potential draft selections in the coming years.
1.3 The Chicago Sky’s Bold Moves
The Chicago Sky made headlines with a major trade involving Kahleah Copper and Candace Parker. This swap signified a shift in the team’s philosophy, as they aimed to create a stronger core around Courtney Vandersloot and Alanna Smith. Parker, who has been a cornerstone of the Sky for several years, found herself in a position to be dealt to a contending team. Chicago’s decision to move on from the veteran forward wasn’t an easy one, but it helps the team build towards the future, with an emphasis on player development and flexibility in their salary cap.
1.4 The Las Vegas Aces Stand Pat (For Now)
After winning the WNBA championship in 2024, the Las Vegas Aces have largely stood pat in terms of major roster moves. With their core players, including A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, Kelsey Plum, and Chelsea Gray, the Aces have one of the most complete rosters in the league. While they have made a couple of small moves to fill out the bench, Las Vegas seems content to ride the momentum of their championship-winning squad.
Still, as the offseason progresses, the Aces could be players in the trade market if any opportunities arise to further strengthen their lineup. The team’s front office is known for being aggressive when it comes to roster construction, so don’t count them out just yet.
2. Free Agency Moves: The Power Shift
2.1 A’ja Wilson Stays in Las Vegas
One of the biggest questions heading into free agency was whether A’ja Wilson, the 2024 WNBA MVP and Finals MVP, would re-sign with the Aces or test the waters elsewhere. Thankfully for the Aces, Wilson decided to stay with the team on a massive contract extension, keeping her in Las Vegas for the foreseeable future.
Wilson’s decision to remain in Las Vegas solidifies the Aces as the team to beat in the league for years to come. As one of the best players in the world, her presence alone gives the Aces a clear edge over most teams in the WNBA. Combined with the roster around her, Las Vegas remains a juggernaut in both the regular season and the playoffs.
2.2 Candace Parker Joins the Liberty
In one of the biggest free-agent signings of the offseason, Candace Parker opted to join the New York Liberty. After spending most of her career with the Los Angeles Sparks and a brief stint with the Chicago Sky, Parker chose to link up with Stewart and Ionescu in New York.
The addition of Parker gives the Liberty another elite veteran leader to complement their already stacked roster. Parker’s ability to stretch the floor, her basketball IQ, and her championship pedigree make her an essential addition to a team that is already among the favorites to win the 2025 WNBA title. Liberty fans are excited about the prospect of having three of the league’s best players all on the same roster.
2.3 Tiffany Hayes Moves to the Connecticut Sun
Tiffany Hayes made a move from Atlanta to Connecticut, where she signed a two-year deal with the Sun. Hayes, known for her scoring and perimeter shooting, adds a dynamic element to a Sun team that has been one of the top contenders in the East for several seasons.
Hayes’ presence in the backcourt alongside Jasmine Thomas will give Connecticut a dangerous guard duo, capable of both scoring and defending at a high level. This move signals that the Sun are looking to make another deep playoff push after coming up short in recent years. With DeWanna Bonner and Brionna Jones still anchoring the frontcourt, Connecticut looks poised for a successful 2025 campaign.
2.4 Sue Bird’s Retirement and Seattle’s Next Chapter
After announcing her retirement at the conclusion of the 2024 season, Sue Bird left a massive hole in the Seattle Storm lineup. Bird’s leadership, shooting, and playmaking were integral to the team’s success, and her departure marks the end of an era in Seattle.
With Bird gone, the Storm’s focus now shifts to their young talent. Jewell Loyd, who has blossomed into one of the league’s best players, will likely take on an even more prominent role, and the team will look to fill the void at point guard through free agency or trade. While Seattle is in a transition phase, the future remains bright with their young core and a focus on rebuilding around Loyd.
2.5 Key Resignings
Many teams were focused on retaining their core players to ensure continuity heading into the 2025 season. Notable resignings include Brittney Griner staying in Phoenix, Jantel Lavender returning to the Sparks, and Briann January re-signing with the Indiana Fever.
These players provide valuable depth and experience to their respective teams, and their decision to return shows a commitment to the franchise and a desire to continue competing for championships. Griner’s presence, in particular, ensures that Phoenix remains a playoff-caliber team, even after their trade of Diggins-Smith.
3. Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
As the offseason continues to unfold, many teams are still waiting to make their next moves. The trade deadline looms in the background, and several teams are likely to make adjustments before the start of the season. The WNBA Draft will also have a significant impact on the composition of teams, as franchises look to add young talent to their rosters.
The battle for supremacy in the WNBA will undoubtedly come down to a few powerhouse teams, but surprises and upsets are always part of the story in the league. Teams like the Liberty, Aces, and Sun are all looking to make a push for a title, while clubs like the Mercury and Storm are shifting towards a rebuild.
The 2025 season promises to be an exciting one, with plenty of star power, young talent, and high-level competition. Keep an eye on how teams continue to shape their rosters over the next few months, as the moves made in this offseason will have a lasting impact on the future of the WNBA.
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