The latest WNBA-NBA crossover rumors have it that the two Golden State franchises are interested in A’ja Wilson and Bam Adebayo and that the two could become the Bay Area’s new power couple. Wilson is an unrestricted free agent, and Adebayo could become available via trade. The thing here is, the Valkyries can chase Wilson all they want—and why wouldn’t they?—but she has no reason to leave an Aces organization that has faithfully built around her, allowed her to make history, and will put her in the position to add to that history right after winning a championship.
While potentially playing in the same city as her partner (IF the Warriors can even get him from the Heat) would certainly be an enticing option, it doesn’t seem like a good enough reason to prompt the best player in the world to disperse a dynasty that’s not nearly done winning yet.
The only instance in which Wilson may leave Las Vegas in free agency is if Becky Hammon, Jackie Young, and/or Chelsea Gray decide to leave this offseason.
Hammon, Young, and Gray are key to the Aces’ success
Wilson may be the best player in the game right now, but she isn’t the only reason for the Aces’ success. Becky Hammon is a genius coach, Jackie Young is the best two-way wing in the league, and Chelsea Gray is a phenomenal point guard. Losing any of them could change Wilson’s future with the Aces. Hammon could be lured away by a head coaching position in the NBA, and Young could follow Kelsey Plum’s path and seek to become the face of a franchise somewhere else.
In the grand scheme of things, the trio has just as little reason to leave Las Vegas right now as Wilson does. They just won a championship and have many more trips to the finals ahead of them if Wilson, Young, Gray, and Hammon stick together for a few more years.
Gray even said in her exit interview that she wants to be “the winningest player in the league” when she retires. Las Vegas is the place to accomplish that.
The Valkyries have a lot to offer in free agency
The Valkyries should be an interesting destination for many players in what promises to be the biggest free agency period in recent memory. They have a great coach, a winning culture, modern facilities, and an owner willing to invest in his players. So, why wouldn’t they take a few big swings in free agency?
When it comes to recruiting A’ja Wilson, the question is simple: What can the Valkyries offer her that the Aces can’t? Wilson has spoken highly of the Aces’ ownership before, and they have great facilities and ensure that players have everything they need. The Aces have also won at the highest level with the core of Wilson, Young, and Gray. The Valkyries, meanwhile, haven’t made it past the first round of the playoffs yet.
If Wilson wanted to start over, Golden State would be an enticing destination. But seeing her win another championship and put together another MVP season in Las Vegas just doesn’t scream that she’s ready to do that.