Azurá Stevens was one of the bright spots in the Sparks’ 2025 campaign. Despite bringing in Kelsey Plum, the Sparks missed the playoffs. Stevens, however, put together a career season. She vastly improved as a 3-point shooter and averaged career highs in points, rebounds, and assists per game, while also putting up excellent steal and block numbers.
Stevens was also the key to surviving Cameron Brink’s absence due to an ACL tear. With Brink back, Stevens’ role with the Sparks would decrease next season, but she, Brink, and Hamby would still make for a strong frontcourt rotation that could propel the Sparks towards playoff contention. However, with an expansion draft and a wild free agency period coming up, it seems unlikely that the Sparks will be able to re-sign Stevens without any complications.
Either, she will be picked in the expansion draft if left unprotected, or she will draw a ton of interest in free agency.
Stevens may go to the Fire or Tempo in the expansion draft
The good news for the Sparks is that they will be able to protect their four centerpieces in the expansion draft. Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby, Cameron Brink, and Rickea Jackson are all locks to make the Sparks’ list of protected players. After that, it gets difficult, and the Sparks will essentially have to pick one of Azurá Stevens, Julie Allemand, and Rae Burrell.
Burrell is an interesting young talent, but she won’t be able to help the Sparks compete at the same level as the other two. Allemand seems like the most likely choice. She can run the offense and alleviate some of the playmaking pressure on Plum’s shoulders, while Stevens would have to move to the bench behind Brink, which may even prompt her to look for a bigger role in free agency and leave whether she was protected in the expansion draft or not.
If Stevens is available in the expansion draft, the Fire and Tempo will undoubtedly consider picking her. Stretch fives who can also protect the paint on defense are valuable assets in today’s WNBA. However, both teams will likely only be able to pick one unrestricted free agent each. Whether they want to use that designation on Stevens depends on who else is available. Plus, the Sparks also have players already under contract, like Sarah Ashlee Barker, whom the Tempo and Fire could pick.
Stevens should draw a lot of attention in free agency
Even if the Sparks make it through the expansion draft without losing Stevens, she may still be on her way out. With most of the league entering free agency, several teams will try to poach the top players available to build contending rosters.
Stevens could be a high-end role player for several contenders. She would, for example, be a perfect fit next to Aliyah Boston in Indiana or next to Bri Jones in Atlanta. The Valkyries will also be looking for frontcourt upgrades, and Stevens could fit well into their 3-and-D system.
Her 2025 season already vastly boosted Stevens’ free agency stock. Another successful Unrivaled season would only add to that. Stevens is still on Rose BC’s roster alongside Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper, Lexie Hull, Shakira Austin, and Sug Sutton. Last season, she was one of the team’s key players on its run to a championship, especially once Angel Reese was out with an injury. It seems safe to expect another good run from Stevens.
Depending on how many teams are interested in Stevens and how much they offer her, the Sparks may just not be able to re-sign her while also retaining Plum, Hamby, and Allemand and bringing in some fresh energy.