WNBA Free Agency Update

Tags: WNBA
Connecticut Sun v Seattle Storm
(Photo : Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 20: A detail of the WNBA logo is seen on the basketball during opening tipoff between the Seattle Storm and the Connecticut Sun at Climate Pledge Arena on June 20, 2023 in Seattle, Washington.

WNBA free agency kicked off last week with some of the league's brightest stars on the move. 

So far, teams like the Seattle Storm, Phoenix Mercury and Atlanta Dream all have all been busy improving their rosters in hopes of bringing a championship home in September. 

Some big names like Skylar Diggins-Smith and Tina Charles have already changed teams. 

Here is what we know so far as we enter week two of the WNBA Free Agency. 

WNBA Free Agency: Nneka Ogwumike 

Former League MVP, Nneka Ogwumike, may be playing in a different jersey this summer. 

Ogwumike, who has spent 12 seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks might be on the move this offseason.

According to Romona Shellborne of ESPN, Ogwumike has drawn interest from the Atlanta Dream, Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky, Seattle Storm, and the New York Liberty.

The Storm and Mercury both missed the playoffs last year and would benefit from having her star power on the roster. She would also put the Liberty over top and make them the odds on favorite to win it all.

Though she was impressive for the Sparks, the team has not experienced much success and missed the playoffs last season. 

Read More: Oilers Look for Win Streak History Against Golden Knights

WNBA Free Agency: Big Moves

The Seattle Storm has signed the unrestricted free agent point guard Skylar Diggins-Smith.  

The six-time all-star and gold medalist, Diggins-Smith, spent four seasons with Phoenix Mercury, joining the team in 2020. 

At first, there was a level of optimism seeing Diggins-Smith play on a roster featuring WNBA greats Diana Taurasi and Brittany Griner. However, as time went on, her relationship with the franchise would become very rocky.

She will miss the 2023 season due to maternity leave. Despite still being a roster member, the team did not allow her to use the practice facility while on leave throughout the offseason.

Now in Seattle, Diggins-Smith would join a roster featuring rising star guard Jewel Lloyd.  

The 33-year-old was one of the best point guards in the open market; when she last played in 2022, she averaged 19 points per game. 

Former MVP Tina Charles has announced that she is returning to the WNBA with the Atlanta Dream, according to Howard Megdal of The Next. 

Charles last played in the WNBA for the Phoenix Mercury in 2022. However, her time with the franchise ended after 16 games, with both teams agreeing to a buyout due to unhappiness in the head coach Vanessa Nygaard's offense.

She would end the season as a member of the Seattle Storm, helping lead the team to the second round of the WNBA Playoffs. 

The 35-year-old has had a remarkable career, playing 12 seasons, attending eight all-star games, and winning a WNBA MVP. She ranks fourth all-time in the league scoring, amassing 7,115 career points, and is second in career rebounds with 3,640.

Now she'll look to help a young Atlanta Dream team that saw some success last season making it to the playoffs. 

Long-time Mystics guard Natasha Cloud has now signed with the Phoenix Mercury, according to SNY Reporter Khirstina WIlliamms and confirmed by the Washington Post Kareem Copeland. 

Cloud has played her entire career with the Mystics, spending eight seasons in DC and helping the franchise win a championship in 2019.

Cloud would join a roster that boasts future Hall of Farmers in Diana Turasi and Brittney Griner.

The Mercury are coming off a rough season despite having the returning star Brittney Griner, as they finished with a record 9-31.

Phoenix also owns the No.3 pick in the WNBA draft. Though it's unlikely they'll get the chance to draft Caitlin Clark, they will still have a shot at Stanford standout Cameron Brink or UConn guard Paige Bueckers.

WNBA Free Agency: Other Key Moves 

Aerial Powers joins Tina Charles in Atlanta.

New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones signs a two year deal to stay in New York with hope of helping the team win a championship.

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