WNBA free agency and trade tracker: Latest deals and news

WNBA Trade and Free Agency Tracker: Up-to-Date Offers and Information for the 2025 Season

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has been experiencing a surge in popularity and talent in recent years. With growing attention on the league and increased viewership, the stakes have never been higher for teams as they aim to build championship-caliber rosters. As the 2025 season approaches, trade talks and free agency moves have become a focal point for fans, analysts, and front offices alike. The WNBA trade and free agency period is an exciting and often unpredictable time, with teams jockeying to improve their rosters, fill gaps, and make moves that will elevate their championship aspirations.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive WNBA trade and free agency tracker, detailing up-to-date information on key trades, signings, offers, and rumors surrounding the league’s most prominent players and teams. As teams look to build around their stars or replenish their ranks, each move has the potential to reshape the landscape of the WNBA in 2025 and beyond.

1. Trade and Free Agency Overview: What to Expect in 2025

The 2025 WNBA season promises to be one of the most competitive in league history. With several teams entering the offseason with championship aspirations and others looking to rebuild, the trade and free agency periods will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the league. These periods give teams an opportunity to bolster their rosters, whether through signing veteran players, adding young talent, or executing strategic trades.

1.1 Key Players in the Market

One of the most intriguing aspects of the 2025 WNBA offseason is the number of high-profile players who will either be available for trade or become free agents. Players such as Brittney Griner, Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, and Jewell Loyd have long been among the league’s top players, and their movements—whether through trades or free-agent signings—will have major implications on their respective teams and the league as a whole.

The upcoming free agency class is also expected to feature both veteran players looking to find new opportunities and younger players who may be looking for a fresh start or a chance to sign a lucrative contract. Teams will be weighing their options carefully, as each move will carry significant long-term consequences.

1.2 Salary Cap Considerations

As with any professional sports league, the WNBA’s salary cap plays a crucial role in shaping free agency decisions. Teams must be mindful of their financial flexibility and how they can maneuver within the cap to make impactful signings. In recent years, the WNBA has taken steps to increase player salaries and allow teams more flexibility in retaining their stars, but the cap still represents a key constraint in roster construction.

2. Trades: Moving Pieces for a Championship Push

Trade rumors in the WNBA are often swirling throughout the offseason, as teams look to swap players, draft picks, or other assets in order to strengthen their rosters. A trade can be a game-changer for a franchise looking to quickly contend for a title or make an unexpected playoff push.

2.1 Notable Trades So Far in the 2025 Offseason

While the 2025 offseason is still young, there have already been several notable trades that have shaken up the league. These deals have set the stage for potential title contenders to bolster their rosters and for rebuilding teams to bring in key assets for the future.

1. Chicago Sky Send Kahleah Copper to New York Liberty

One of the most significant moves of the offseason has been the trade of guard/forward Kahleah Copper from the Chicago Sky to the New York Liberty. Copper, a standout scorer and one of the most dynamic players in the WNBA, brings experience and versatility to the Liberty’s already stacked roster. In exchange, the Sky received a combination of draft picks and a young prospect to help with their rebuilding efforts. For the Liberty, Copper adds depth to an already talented squad featuring players like Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart, making them even more formidable contenders in 2025.

2. Phoenix Mercury Acquire Player from Atlanta Dream

The Phoenix Mercury have made a bold move in the offseason by acquiring a key player from the Atlanta Dream. Phoenix has been in a transitional phase since the departure of Diana Taurasi from a larger role, and this trade brings in a versatile veteran who can contribute both on offense and defense. The Mercury sent a combination of players and picks to Atlanta in return, signaling their intent to retool and build a competitive team around Brittney Griner for another playoff run.

3. Dallas Wings Trade for A’ja Wilson

Another major trade that has caught attention is the Dallas Wings’ acquisition of star forward A’ja Wilson from the Las Vegas Aces. Wilson, one of the league’s top players and the reigning WNBA MVP, will be a game-changer for the Wings as they aim for a championship run in 2025. In exchange, the Aces received multiple draft picks and a package of young players, signaling a slight shift in their roster and their focus on developing younger talent.

These trades have set the stage for what promises to be a highly competitive season, with several teams looking to strengthen their rosters and create more balanced matchups.

3. Free Agency: The High-Stakes Signings

Free agency in the WNBA has the potential to shape the future of teams and individual careers. With many star players now eligible for free agency, franchises are working diligently to secure key signings that can either solidify their championship window or help kickstart a rebuild. Free agency is also where many role players, shooters, and defenders are sought after to round out rosters.

3.1 Key Free Agency Signings to Watch in 2025

As teams continue to make moves, here are some of the key free-agent signings and offers that fans are eagerly watching:

1. Breanna Stewart to Seattle Storm

One of the most anticipated free-agent signings of the offseason was Breanna Stewart’s decision to re-sign with the Seattle Storm. Stewart, widely regarded as one of the best players in the WNBA, was the subject of numerous trade rumors and free-agent offers. In a highly competitive free-agent market, the Storm managed to lock down their star forward, ensuring that they remain one of the top teams in the league for the foreseeable future.

2. Jewell Loyd Signs with Los Angeles Sparks

Another blockbuster signing involved Jewell Loyd, a dynamic guard and one of the top players for the Seattle Storm. After some speculation about her future, Loyd ultimately decided to sign with the Los Angeles Sparks. Her arrival in Los Angeles gives the Sparks a legitimate star to build around, and her scoring ability will make a significant impact as the team looks to return to championship contention.

3. Sabrina Ionescu Re-Signs with New York Liberty

Sabrina Ionescu, one of the brightest young stars in the WNBA, has re-signed with the New York Liberty on a multi-year deal. Ionescu, known for her shooting, passing, and leadership, has become the face of the Liberty franchise. This re-signing gives New York a solid foundation as they continue to build a team capable of challenging for the WNBA championship.

3.2 Restricted and Unrestricted Free Agents

In the 2025 free agency period, several players are classified as restricted or unrestricted free agents. Restricted free agents are players who can receive offers from other teams, but their current team has the option to match any offer and retain them. On the other hand, unrestricted free agents have the freedom to sign with any team of their choice.

Restricted Free Agents:

• Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas Wings): Ogunbowale has established herself as one of the premier guards in the league, and the Wings will be eager to retain her services heading into the new season. With a combination of scoring ability and leadership, she’s a key piece of their future.
• Skylar Diggins-Smith (Phoenix Mercury): Another standout guard, Diggins-Smith is one of the league’s best at creating offense and facilitating for her teammates. The Mercury will likely face competition to keep her, as other teams may be eyeing her skill set.

Unrestricted Free Agents:

• Natasha Howard (Dallas Wings): Howard, a key veteran forward, is widely expected to be a high-priority signing for any team looking to add a dynamic player to their roster. She brings toughness, defense, and leadership to any team that signs her.
• Tiffany Hayes (Atlanta Dream): Hayes is known for her ability to stretch the floor with her three-point shooting and to provide scoring depth for her team. As an unrestricted free agent, Hayes has the flexibility to sign with a number of teams that could use her scoring ability.

4. Rumors and Trade Speculation: What’s Next for the WNBA?

In addition to the confirmed trades and signings, there is no shortage of rumors and trade speculations surrounding the WNBA’s offseason. Teams like the Las Vegas Aces and Washington Mystics have been linked to possible moves that could reshape the league.

Rumors about Brittney Griner’s future with the Phoenix Mercury have also been swirling, with some speculating that the Mercury could explore trade options to strengthen their roster. Similarly, teams with championship aspirations, like the Connecticut Sun and Chicago Sky, could be looking to make trades for veteran players to push them over the top in 2025.