Sabally departs the Dallas Wings, with Liberty and Fever emerging as possible destinations.

Sabally Departs the Dallas Wings, with Liberty and Fever Emerging as Possible Destinations

In a surprising turn of events, Satou Sabally, the talented forward for the Dallas Wings, has announced her departure from the team. Sabally, known for her dynamic scoring, rebounding, and leadership on the court, has been a key part of the Wings’ lineup since being drafted in 2020. However, her decision to leave has sent ripples throughout the WNBA, especially as two teams — the New York Liberty and the Indiana Fever — are emerging as potential destinations.

As Sabally explores her options, the WNBA landscape is left to consider how her departure from Dallas will affect the team, as well as what kind of impact she could have on a new franchise. Her decision will also set the stage for potential trades, roster moves, and shifts in team strategies as the season progresses. In this article, we’ll break down the significance of Sabally’s departure, analyze the possible destinations — the Liberty and the Fever — and consider how this move could shape the future of the WNBA.

The Significance of Sabally’s Departure from the Dallas Wings

Sabally’s departure from the Dallas Wings is a significant development, both for the franchise and for the WNBA as a whole. Over the past few years, Sabally has been a cornerstone of the team, showcasing an impressive all-around game that includes scoring, rebounding, and defensive versatility. Her ability to play both forward positions, as well as stretch the floor with her shooting, made her a crucial component of Dallas’s lineup.

During her time with the Wings, Sabally established herself as a consistent contributor. Her performances on both ends of the court often led Dallas to competitive finishes, and she was viewed as a future star for the franchise. Sabally’s decision to leave, whether due to a trade request, free agency, or personal reasons, has left many fans and analysts wondering about the future direction of the Wings.

Dallas had invested significant time and resources into developing Sabally into one of their primary players, and her departure leaves a gap in the forward position. With Arike Ogunbowale and Alisha Gray already established as key figures in the backcourt, Sabally’s absence will likely necessitate a shift in how the team operates offensively and defensively.

In response, the Dallas Wings will need to adjust their roster and potentially seek out another player who can fill Sabally’s versatile role. However, they also have a number of promising young players, including Tyasha Harris and Satu Sabally’s younger sister, Awak Kuier, who may step into expanded roles.

Possible Destinations: The New York Liberty

One of the leading teams rumored to be a potential destination for Sabally is the New York Liberty. The Liberty, one of the most successful franchises in recent years, have become one of the WNBA’s top contenders with their high-powered offense and star-studded roster. The team’s acquisition of Brittney Griner in the 2024 season helped solidify their frontcourt, but the addition of another versatile forward like Sabally could elevate them to a championship-caliber team.

Sabally’s style of play would complement the Liberty’s roster quite well. The Liberty’s offense is built around players who can spread the floor and make plays off the dribble. With stars like Sabrina Ionescu, Betnijah Laney, and Stefanie Dolson, the Liberty have a high-powered lineup that is capable of both inside and outside scoring. Sabally’s ability to stretch the floor as a forward while still being a force inside would provide much-needed balance for the Liberty, giving them another weapon to deploy against the WNBA’s toughest opponents.

Defensively, Sabally is versatile enough to guard multiple positions, which would be a valuable asset for the Liberty as they look to compete with other championship contenders like the Las Vegas Aces. Adding her to their already impressive roster would likely improve their overall depth, making them an even tougher team to beat. Her potential fit in New York could push the Liberty closer to securing a WNBA championship in the near future, as Sabally’s presence would give them more versatility in terms of defensive schemes and offensive spacing.

The Liberty’s salary cap flexibility, combined with their desire to build a team capable of winning titles, makes them an attractive destination for a player like Sabally. If Sabally is seeking a fresh start and the opportunity to compete for championships, New York would offer a prime location.

Possible Destinations: The Indiana Fever

While the New York Liberty may be the favorite, the Indiana Fever are another team that could make a strong push to acquire Sabally. The Fever, who have been in a rebuilding phase for the past few seasons, are beginning to show signs of growth and improvement. With players like Aliyah Boston, Grace Berger, and NaLyssa Smith, the Fever have a young, talented core that is starting to gel.

For Sabally, joining the Fever would present an opportunity to become a leader on a rising team with a lot of upside. Indiana’s roster has shown significant promise, and Sabally’s experience and versatility could help guide the team’s growth into a contender. Sabally would immediately become one of the Fever’s top players and would play a crucial role in the team’s offensive and defensive schemes.

Adding Sabally to the Fever would also provide veteran leadership to a young squad. While the team already has some emerging stars, Sabally’s experience in the league and her ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game would be invaluable. For example, her ability to shoot from the perimeter could create more space for Boston and Smith to operate inside, improving the team’s overall offensive flow.

From a team-building perspective, the Indiana Fever may see this as an opportunity to accelerate their rebuilding process. By adding a player like Sabally, they would strengthen their frontcourt and become more competitive in the short term while still maintaining the long-term potential of their young players.

Moreover, Sabally’s addition could also have a positive impact off the court, as her presence in the locker room could help foster a winning culture. For a team like the Fever, whose young players are still adjusting to the WNBA’s high-level competition, Sabally could provide the leadership necessary to elevate the team to new heights.

Sabally’s Impact on Both Teams

Whether Sabally ultimately lands with the New York Liberty or the Indiana Fever, her addition will have a significant impact on whichever team she joins.

• For the Liberty, Sabally would be joining a well-established roster of elite players, and her presence would enhance their championship aspirations. Her versatile skill set, defensive prowess, and ability to score from anywhere on the floor make her an ideal addition to a team that already boasts numerous star players. Sabally’s arrival would likely push the Liberty closer to their ultimate goal of winning a WNBA title, as her unique abilities would complement the other offensive and defensive strengths of the roster.
• For the Fever, Sabally would provide veteran leadership on a team that is still in the midst of a rebuild. While Indiana’s roster has tremendous potential, it’s still young and lacks the kind of experience needed to compete at the highest level. Sabally would immediately step into a key leadership role, helping guide the Fever’s young players and teaching them what it takes to succeed in the WNBA. She could be the piece that propels the Fever from a developing team to a legitimate playoff contender.

Regardless of where Sabally ends up, it’s clear that her departure from the Dallas Wings will have a lasting effect on the league. Teams will be watching closely to see where she lands, as her ability to impact games on both sides of the ball is undeniable. The Dallas Wings will have to quickly adjust to life without one of their key players, and the Liberty and Fever will be working hard to make the best pitch to Sabally as they attempt to bolster their rosters for the future.