After getting swept by the Atlanta Dream, the New York Liberty face some uncomfortable questions. One is whether they should run it back with their big three of Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu, or trade one of them.
Ionescu spent her entire career with the Liberty since they drafted her first overall in 2020 and has been the face of the franchise in many ways. Nevertheless, she seems like the most likely trade candidate out of the three. You just don’t trade away Breanna Stewart, who is still playing like an MVP candidate, unless she demands a trade, and Jonquel Jones’s skill set is more difficult to replace. Moreover, Jones was the Finals MVP when the Liberty won the title.
Houston Comets
The Connecticut Sun will move to Houston for the 2027 season, reviving the WNBA’s first dynasty. The Comets won the league’s first four championships. They will need stars to build around, and the current Sun roster does not have any. After two losing seasons, the Comets have excellent odds to win the 2027 lottery, which will give them a shot at drafting JuJu Watkins, who may or may not leave USC to go pro. Still, they could use an older, championship-proven star with a fanbase and signature shoe to help build up the team on and off the court.
Golden State Valkyries
Sabrina Ionescu is from the Bay Area. That, paired with the Valkyries’ need for a high-level scorer, sparked rumors that the expansion team would pursue her in free agency. Instead, Ionescu re-signed with the Liberty, and the Valkyries built a title contender around Gabby Williams. If they want to sign a superstar, the Valkyries should have a solid shot at luring Napheesa Collier or Kelsey Mitchell away from their current teams. Both are better players than Ionescu and wouldn’t cost any trade assets. Still, it would be worth a try for the Liberty if the Valkyries strike out in free agency. Ionescu may not fit the Valkyries’ defense-first identity, but she could add some much-needed tough shot-making.
Los Angeles Sparks
After losing Kelsey Plum and Nneka Ogwumike, the Sparks should be focused on a rebuild. Their win-now approach failed, and it’s time to amass and develop young talent. But the Sparks haven’t made the most patient or reasonable decisions lately. The idea of another star guard to put next to Cameron Brink, Ariel Atkins, and Dearica Hamby could entice them, especially if JuJu Watkins, an LA-grown superstar, declares for the 2027 WNBA Draft and goes to Houston or Toronto.
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