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The 2024 WNBA offseason promises to be one of the most active and consequential in recent memory, with several high-profile players hitting free agency and teams looking to reshape their rosters. From championship contenders seeking final pieces to rebuilding franchises hunting for foundation players, this offseason will reshape the league's competitive landscape for years to come.
Breanna Stewart's contract situation will dominate headlines, though she's expected to remain in New York after delivering a championship. DiJonai Carrington, Courtney Williams, and Natasha Cloud headline the next tier of available talent that could change the fortunes of multiple franchises. Teams like Phoenix, Dallas, and Atlanta have cap space and roster needs, positioning them for significant moves. The new CBA's financial structure could also lead to unexpected trades as teams navigate salary cap constraints while trying to build championship contenders.
Let's start with the obvious: Breanna Stewart is the biggest name in free agency, and she's not going anywhere. After leading the Liberty to their first championship, Stewart has no reason to leave New York. She's got her ring, she's playing with elite talent, and the Liberty can offer her maximum money under the CBA.
Expected decision: Re-signs with New York on a multi-year max deal. The only drama here is contract length and structure, not the destination. Lock it in: Stewart stays in New York.
Carrington's breakout season makes her the most intriguing restricted free agent on the market. The 26-year-old two-way wing emerged as an All-Defensive caliber player while averaging 12.7 points per game. Connecticut will almost certainly match any offer sheet, but teams with cap space could make things interesting by presenting maximum offers that strain the Sun's budget.
Teams that make sense:
Expected decision: Connecticut matches any offer sheet and retains her. She's too valuable to let walk, and the Sun have the cap flexibility to keep her.
Williams is coming off a strong playoff run where her veteran savvy and playmaking were crucial to Minnesota's Finals appearance. At 30, she's in her prime and looking for a multi-year deal that reflects her value as a starting-caliber guard who can run an offense.
Her versatility makes her attractive to multiple teams. She can play on or off the ball, defend multiple positions, and provide leadership. Expect several teams to pursue her aggressively.
Best landing spots:
Expected decision: Returns to Minnesota on a 2-year deal. The Finals run created too much chemistry to walk away from a contender.
Cloud's season in Phoenix was... complicated. Talented player, strong personality, but the Mercury struggled and underwent a coaching change. She's a starting-caliber point guard with elite passing ability and good defensive instincts, but questions about fit and leadership style might affect her market.
At 32, Cloud is looking for a situation where she can compete for championships while getting paid appropriately. Teams desperate for point guard play will consider her, but her ideal landing spot is a team with established culture and veteran leadership.
Potential destinations:
Expected decision: Signs with Washington for a homecoming and chance to be the veteran leader of a young team.
Hayes came out of retirement midseason and showed she can still contribute at a high level. The 34-year-old wing provides versatile defense, timely scoring, and championship experience. She's looking for a one-year deal with a contender where she can continue competing for titles.
Expected decision: Returns to Las Vegas on a veteran minimum deal. She fits their system and culture perfectly.
One of the most underrated forwards in the league, Hines-Allen averaged 12.1 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting 49.2% from the field. She's 27 years old and entering her prime, making her an attractive target for teams needing frontcourt depth.
Best fits:
Expected decision: Signs with Indiana to pair with the young core and compete for playoffs.
Several quality role players will find new homes and contribute to team success:
The Dream have the most cap flexibility and the greatest need for talent. They're coming off a disappointing season and need to add multiple starters. Expect them to be aggressive in free agency and potentially overpay to land impact players.
Targets: DiJonai Carrington (offer sheet), Natasha Cloud, Myisha Hines-Allen, plus several role players to fill out the roster.
Phoenix is in a tricky spot. They have cap space but also a new coach and questions about direction. Do they go all-in trying to compete with Diana Taurasi's remaining years, or do they start planning for the post-Taurasi era? That philosophical question will determine their free agency approach.
Likely targets: Courtney Williams, Natasha Cloud (return), plus defensive-minded role players to address their biggest weakness.
Dallas needs to surround Arike Ogunbowale with talent that complements her scoring. They're looking for two-way wings, floor-spacing bigs, and veteran leadership. Cap space gives them flexibility to be aggressive.
Potential adds: DiJonai Carrington (offer sheet), Myisha Hines-Allen, plus several three-point shooters to space the floor for Ogunbowale.
Free agency isn't just about signings—trades will reshape rosters as well. Several players could be available via trade:
The new CBA increased player salaries significantly, which is fantastic for player compensation. But it also created salary cap crunches for several teams. Contenders like the Liberty, Aces, and Lynx have limited flexibility to add pieces. They might need to make tough decisions about veteran role players to stay under the cap.
This reality could lead to surprising moves. Productive veterans on non-playoff teams might get traded to contenders for draft picks. Teams over the cap might need to make salary-dumping moves. The offseason could be wild as teams navigate these new financial constraints.
Here's how we see the biggest decisions shaking out:
A few bold predictions that could reshape the league:
This offseason will determine which teams are positioned to challenge the Liberty's championship reign. The East remains top-heavy with New York and Connecticut, but the West is wide open. If Minnesota retains their core, they're favorites. But Phoenix, Dallas, Seattle, and even the Aces could make moves that shift the power balance.
The expanded playoff format means more teams will believe they have a chance, driving aggressive free agency moves. Front offices will be tempted to mortgage futures for present success. Some teams will make brilliant moves; others will overpay and regret it.
That's the beauty of WNBA free agency—anything can happen, and one signing can transform a franchise's trajectory. Over the next few weeks, we'll watch the dominoes fall and second-guess every decision. By the time training camp opens, the league could look completely different than it did during the Finals.
Buckle up, WNBA fans. This offseason is going to be wild.
