Predicting Where the Sky's Free Agents Will Play Next Season
Ahead of a few weeks where the roster should see big change, I try to guess where those that depart could sign for 2025 and beyond.
For the third season in a row, the Sky will experience pretty significant roster turnover when free agency opens on February 1st, but this time there’s knowledge before the negotiation period even opens that most of the key free agents from last year’s team will depart. And while it’s a fool’s game to try and predict how the free agency dominoes will fall, I decided to take a look at the best and most likely landing spots for each of the 2024 Sky players that need a new contract before the 2025 WNBA season tips off in May.
Michaela Onyenwere
I’ve been pretty consistent about my thoughts on Onyenwere’s chances to be an impact player for Chicago since she was acquired in the Kahleah Copper trade, and little has changed after her strong finish to last season. The context of the market could allow for a cut price deal, and the Sky should take advantage of that opportunity. Onyenwere has also been practicing with the contingent of Sky players in Chicago over the last few weeks which, in most cases, would be an unusual (and risky) move if she didn’t expect to return to the team.
My Prediction: Chicago Sky
Chennedy Carter
The Sky are unlikely to swiftly replace the huge offensive production Carter offered last season, and they likely wouldn’t have tried to unless they were focused on pouring 100% of their offensive focus into the #3 pick in April’s draft on the perimeter. The lack of a qualifying offer issued to Carter says a lot about the directional plans Chicago has for 2025 under new coach Tyler Marsh, and I explained earlier this month why she may struggle to find a deal for this season despite a fantastic 2024 season.
My Prediction: No Immediate 2025 Deal (Potential Training Camp Invitee)
Dana Evans
Evans seems likely to leave Chicago after 2024 failed to go to plan, but the obvious landing spot for a player who definitely wants to start at point guard isn’t apparent. After missing out on the first pick, Los Angeles could have had a relatively wide open battle for their starting point guard position in camp, but the addition of Kelsey Plum in yesterday’s blockbuster deal with the Aces means that window has all but closed (Plum, of course, can play the 2). Elsewhere, few other teams that have a starter who looks in danger of being unseated. Thus, Evans may be forced to look for a team that can bring her back to her 2023 role as a sixth-player-of-the-year candidate after she slipped entirely out of the rotation at times last season. Under those conditions, the options should be plentiful for a player who, at her best, is a defensive game changer. A reunion with Courtney Williams in Minnesota could be an interesting landing spot if Natisha Hiedeman departs, but I expect the Lynx to make every effort to retain the former Sun guard. Other options include Golden State, Connecticut (likely to experience huge roster turnover), Phoenix, Seattle and Washington (lack a proven back-up point guard). Whatever the case, the market for Evans has shifted dramatically from what most expected a year ago at this time, and a one-year “prove it” deal may be in her best interest.
My Prediction: Phoenix Mercury
Isabelle Harrison
Depending on the salary she demands, Harrison could be one of the steals of this year’s free agent class. She doesn’t make much sense for Chicago after the decision was made to re-sign Elizabeth Williams (unless Harrison is open to a low-minute role–which I doubt), but there’s a window for a player with Harrison’s two-way skills to provide positive value for virtually every other team in the WNBA. Seattle strikes me as an interesting landing spot if Nneka Ogwumike departs in free agency given Harrison’s ability to replicate much (spacing, secondary rim protection, refined low post scoring) of what the former Spark does (albeit not at the same level) alongside Ezi Magbegor. Of course, the futures of fellow free agents Joyner Holmes, Mercedes Russell and Gabby Williams also factor into the Storm’s needs in the post. Elsewhere, Connecticut and Phoenix (where Harrison has personal ties) likely need to add front court depth, Las Vegas would be a fascinating fit (although Megan Gustafson and Harrison might wind up fighting for the same minutes behind Wilson/Stokes) and Golden State could get great value thanks to Harrison’s ability to play both the four and the five.
My Prediction: Connecticut Sun
Diamond DeShields
DeShields, after battling various ailments and injuries, returned to the court in 2024 and showed why she’s deserving of a WNBA roster spot. At the same time, her role only shrunk as the season went along. While some of that was at Teresa Weatherspoon’s discretion, the performances–especially at the offensive end–also played a part in the dwindling share of minutes. Aside from her ability to attack the rim (which remains strong), too much of DeShields’ offensive game was below the level required in a league that only offers 156 job openings every season–with a potential consequence of the head-scratching shot selection and rough efficiency (17.3% 3PT) from a season ago being that DeShields is not on a WNBA roster in 2025. At the same time, the length, athleticism and defensive IQ that DeShields has is not something that is easily found either. If a coach can make use of those defensive tools at the point of attack while masking some of the offensive shortcomings by providing her with ample opportunities to attack the basket in the half-court, DeShields is still easily a WNBA talent. The question is which (if any) coach is willing to take that gamble.
My Prediction: No Immediate 2025 Deal (Likely Training Camp Invitee)
Brianna Turner
The question with Turner is how she prioritizes playing time, pay and winning. Like with any other free agent, the balance between the three is crucial to making a decision, but even more so for a player who was without a role for much of the 2024 season. That tends to have one of two impacts. Either the player finds motivation even in a role that doesn’t guarantee playing time by adding value in practice and in the locker room or the player seeks out every opportunity to get back to playing as many minutes as possible. It’s impossible to say where Turner falls on that spectrum, but a reunion with a coach that always spoke highly of her in Phoenix could be a great fit–especially since New York could use more front court depth beyond Nyara Sabally after Kayla Thornton (a very different profile of player but a front court one nonetheless) was selected by the Valkyries in the expansion draft.
My Prediction: New York Liberty