WNBA Free Agency Begins With Blockbuster Trades, Star Signings, and Major Roster Moves
Free agency is officially underway as of February 1, and WNBA teams are wasting no time making major roster moves through signings, trades, and re-signings. With the WNBA Draft on April 14, training camp beginning April 27, and the season tipping off May 16, franchises are actively shaping their rosters for the 2025 season. The first wave of moves has already made a significant impact, and more transactions are expected in the coming weeks.
Brittney Griner Signs with Atlanta Dream
After spending 10 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, two-time WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner has joined the Atlanta Dream. Griner, a nine-time All-Star, averaged 18.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game last season. Her arrival gives Atlanta a dominant inside presence, pairing her with All-Star Rhyne Howard and strengthening the team’s push toward title contention.
Four-Team Trade Reshapes WNBA Rosters
A four-team trade involving the Phoenix Mercury, Dallas Wings, Connecticut Sun, and Indiana Fever brought major roster changes to the league.
Trade Breakdown
- Phoenix Mercury Receive:
- Satou Sabally (Dallas) – 2x All-Star, 2023 All-WNBA First Team
- Alyssa Thomas (Connecticut) – 5x All-Star, WNBA all-time triple-doubles leader
- Kalani Brown (Dallas) – Veteran 6-7 center
- Sevgi Uzun (Dallas) – 2024 rookie guard
- Dallas Wings Receive:
- DiJonai Carrington (Connecticut) – 2024 WNBA Most Improved Player, All-Defensive First Team
- Tyasha Harris (Connecticut) – Led WNBA in 3P% (.464) in 2023
- NaLyssa Smith (Indiana) – Former No. 2 overall pick, 2022 All-Rookie selection
- Mikiah Herbert Harrigan (Phoenix) – 2020 No. 6 overall pick
- 2025 WNBA Draft No. 12 Pick (Phoenix)
- 2026 2nd Round Pick Swap (Connecticut)
- 2027 3rd Round Pick Swap (Indiana)
- Connecticut Sun Receive:
- Rebecca Allen (Phoenix) – Elite perimeter defender
- Natasha Cloud (Phoenix) – Former WNBA Champion, playmaker
- Jacy Sheldon (Dallas) – 2023 No. 5 overall pick
- 2025 WNBA Draft No. 8 Pick (Indiana)
- Indiana Fever Receive:
- Sophie Cunningham (Phoenix) – Tough perimeter shooter
- Jaelyn Brown (Dallas) – 6-1 guard/forward
- 2025 WNBA Draft No. 19 Pick (Phoenix)
Trade Impact
The Mercury gain two All-WNBA stars (Sabally, Thomas), creating a powerhouse lineup with Brittney Griner departing. Dallas stocks up on young talent and depth, including Carrington, Smith, and Harris. Connecticut adds veteran experience and defensive strength, while Indiana adds toughness and perimeter shooting as they prepare for the arrival of Caitlin Clark, expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Kelsey Plum Traded to Los Angeles Sparks
In another major trade, three-time WNBA All-Star and two-time champion Kelsey Plum was dealt to the Los Angeles Sparks in a three-team trade with Las Vegas and Seattle.
Trade Breakdown
- Los Angeles Sparks Receive:
- Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas) – Elite scorer and playmaker
- 2025 WNBA Draft No. 9 Pick (Seattle)
- 2026 Second-Round Pick (Seattle)
- Las Vegas Aces Receive:
- Jewell Loyd (Seattle) – 2023 WNBA scoring leader (24.7 PPG)
- 2025 WNBA Draft No. 13 Pick (Los Angeles)
- Seattle Storm Receive:
- Li Yueru (Los Angeles) – Young center
- 2025 WNBA Draft No. 2 Pick (Los Angeles)
- 2026 First-Round Pick (Las Vegas)
Trade Impact
Plum’s move to Los Angeles signals a new era for the Sparks, while Las Vegas replaces her with a dynamic scorer in Loyd, keeping their championship window wide open. Seattle secures a high draft pick, focusing on rebuilding with future talent.
Indiana Fever Re-Sign Kelsey Mitchell
The Indiana Fever locked in Kelsey Mitchell, one of the WNBA’s most consistent scorers. Mitchell, who averaged 16.7 PPG and 2.9 APG in 2024, will pair with Caitlin Clark in what could become one of the most exciting backcourts in the league.
Minnesota Lynx Strengthen Roster with Hiedeman and Badiane
The Minnesota Lynx retained Natisha Hiedeman, a key player in their 2024 WNBA Finals run, and signed French Olympic team center Marième Badiane.
- Hiedeman (Guard): Averaged 4.9 PPG, 2.4 APG in 2024, played a crucial role in the playoffs.
- Badiane (Center): A 6-3 defensive standout, helped France win a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Minnesota continues to build depth and strengthen its frontcourt in pursuit of another deep playoff run.
Final Thoughts
With superstars switching teams, championship contenders strengthening rosters, and teams setting up for the future, the 2025 WNBA season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive ever. Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Dallas have made major moves, while Los Angeles and Atlanta are rebuilding with top-tier talent.
With Brittney Griner in Atlanta, Kelsey Plum in Los Angeles, and Jewell Loyd in Las Vegas, the WNBA’s power structure is shifting. Meanwhile, the Indiana Fever have retained Kelsey Mitchell, ensuring a strong backcourt alongside Caitlin Clark, who is set to lead Indiana into a highly anticipated second season.
2025 WNBA Dates
- February 1: Player Contracts may be signed
- April 14: WNBA Draft
- April 27: Training Camp Begins
- May 16: Regular Season Begins
- June 1-17: Commissioner’s Cup Tournament
- July 1: Commissioner’s Cup Championship
- July 17-21: WNBA All-Star Break
- July 19: WNBA All-Star Game
- September 11: Regular Season Ends
- September 14: Playoffs Begin
- October 17: Last Possible Finals Date
