The Atlanta Dream and former Connecticut Sun All-Star Brionna Jones are reportedly in agreement on a contract, per Alexa Philippou of ESPN. Nothing is official yet since WNBA free agency does not technically begin until February, but she is planning to sign with the team. The Sun will need to try to find a way to replace Jones before the 2025 season.
Jones played in Connecticut from 2017-2024. She made three All-Star teams during her time in Connecticut, earning the honors in 2021, 2022 and 2024. Jones is also a former Most Improved Player of the Year.
In 2024, Jones averaged 13.7 points per game while shooting 53.8 percent from the field. Jones also averaged 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals per outing.
With WNBA free agency set to officially begin in February, there will be plenty of free agents to keep an eye on. Perhaps the Sun can replace Jones with an impactful player. The Dream, meanwhile, are likely going to drastically improve.
Dream trending in a promising direction
Brittney Griner recently announced that she is planning to sign with the Dream. Adding Griner, who is one of the best centers in the WNBA, will certainly help the Dream take a step forward. Atlanta finished as the No. 8 seed in 2024. The Dream displayed signs of competing last season, and now they could realistically make a deep postseason run during the '25 season with Jones set to join the team.
Will they be able to compete alongside the best teams in the WNBA such as the New York Liberty? Only time will tell, but the Dream are indeed trending in a promising direction.
Where will the Sun go next?
The Sun are in a difficult position. Losing Brionna Jones is far from ideal, and Connecticut recently traded Alyssa Thomas to the Phoenix Mercury.
The Sun have uncertainty heading into the 2025 season. It remains to be seen if they will be able to make a postseason run again. They enjoyed a strong 2024 campaign, but they have serious questions to answer on the roster.
The Sun will miss Jones without question. Jones, at 29 years old, is set to receive a fresh start with this exciting Dream team. It would not be surprising to see her earn another All-Star selection with Atlanta.
As for the Sun, Connecticut will try to move on without Brionna Jones and Alyssa Thomas.