WNBA Free Agency Madness
- By Shorty
- Feb 3, 2016
- 4 min read
Free Agency officially opened on February 1st, where teams are allowed to negotiate and sign (Reserve, Restricted, and Unrestricted) free agents who are out on the market. To WNBA fans excitement, the past two days (since opening) has been filled with a multitude of signings, a surprising move from one free agent, and a trade between rivals of last year's WNBA Finals. It's time to break down all the free agency MADNESS within the past 48 hours
February 1st,
Shavonte Zellous - New York Liberty
The most surprising move to kick off free agency was Shavonte Zellous taking her talents to the big apple. Most of us (myself included) thought she would've wanted to continue to build on the finals run with Indiana. However, after reading a recent statement from Fever GM Kelly Krauskopf it made sense as to why she wasn't retained. Ultimately when it came down salary cap, the Fever could not afford to keep her in favor of teammate (who was also due for a raise) Shenice Johnson.
Carolyn Swords - New York Liberty (Re-signed)
Carolyn Swords was a big part of what made the Liberty so great last season. A team who finished number 1 in rebounding (36.7) Swords finished 3rd on the team in rebounding averaging 4.0 RPG along with scoring 5.1 PPG.
Mistie Bass - Phoenix Mercury (Re-signed)
Mistie Bass brought the intangibles to the Phoenix Mercury, which lead to a championship in 2014. She won't fill up the stat sheet (4.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG), but she will bring toughness on the defensive end. For that reason, it made sense to bring her back into what could be another title run for the Mercury with the return of Diana Taurasi.
Shenice Johnson - Indiana Fever (Re-signed)
Coming off the best season of her career, it was a no-brainer that the Fever would want to keep Shenice Johnson around. As previously stated, Indiana could not afford both Zellous and Johnson, making Johnson the top priority of the two. An MIP candidate who averaged 10.9 PPG and 4.9 RPG, I think she will have an even better 2016 season under Eastern conference champion coach Stephanie White.
Lynetta Kizer - Indianan Fever (Re-signed)
Provideding post depth to a defensive minded front court, Lynetta Kizer has been a bright spot for the Fever. Adding 8.3 PPG and 3.5 RPG to a potent core of posts, look for her to do more of the same in 2016 for Indiana.
February 2,
Sylvia Fowles - Minnesota Lynx (Re-signed)
Being one of the four players cored by their franchise, Sylvia Fowles is set to return to the Lynx after a victorious 2016 campaign. Traded to Minnesota after the All-Star break, she continued her dominance putting up 15.3 PPG and 8.3 RPG. Eventually leading the team to a championship in 2015 and was named finals MVP.
Renee Montgomery - Minnesota Lynx (Re-signed)
Renee Montgomery landed in Minnesota after being traded from the Seattle Storm for Monica Wright. She became an essential piece to their playoff run averaging 5.7 PPG and 2.5 APG last season. Rightfully bringing her back as a much needed veteran guard along with Lindsay Whalen.
Alysha Clark - Seattle Storm (Re-signed)
Ok, I'll make this signing a litlle personal (only because I wanted the Sparks to somehow steal her away from the Storm). She had such an improved year last season and I expect nothing less this season. Her veteran leadership will continue to be a crucial part of mentoring the young guns such as Jewell Loyd, Mosqueda-Lewis, and Breanna Stewart (if chosen as the number 1 pick in the 2016 WNBA draft).
Jenna O'Hea - Seattle Storm (Re-signed)
Posting career highs of 5.9 PPG and 2.4 APG, O'Hea provides a great combination of 3pt shooting (38.1%), height at the wing position (6'1), and olympic experience to what could be an much improved Storm team. There might be a possibility of her missing some time due to national team commitments (Australian Opals), but for now the Storm are happy to have her back in Seattle.
Tiffany Hayes - Atlanta Dream (Re-signed)
Tiffany Hayes was a gem in the second round of the 2012 draft, which is the reason why Atlanta was quick to re-sign the talented and ultra fast guard. Everytime she gets in transition, she is a force to be reckoned with, however she has been battling some injuries. The Dream are hopful she can remain healthy enough to help lead the way in 2016 for the Dream.
Trade: Minnesota Lynx send Deveraux Peters to the Indiana Fever in exchange for Natasha Howard
This trade screams salary dump for the Lynx. Dev Peters is a solid post player, but with the need to afford the higher salaries of Fowles and Montgomery it was understandable why the move was made. With Howard still on a rookie scale, it provides flexibility and a post presence they can develop for the future. As for the Fever, who are the winners of this trade (in my opinion) Peters bring championship experience adding 4.2 PPG and 3.9 rebounds as a reseve. The Fever coaching staff has always done a great job getting the best out of their players and I can envision them doing the same with Peters.
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