The 2025 WNBA free agency has not disappointed, featuring blockbuster trades and surprising signings. With all the changes, the WNBA will appear as a brand-new league this season. Kelsey Plum has been traded to the Los Angeles Sparks after spending seven years in an Aces uniform, while Jewell Loyd is now an Ace after starting her career in Seattle in 2015. A notable departure is Brittney Griner, who has left Phoenix, her home for 11 years, the franchise that drafted her in 2013. Brionna Jones’s signing is another surprise after being with Connecticut for seven years.
The free agency news does not stop there. News circulated Friday on social media: Natasha Howard is signing with the Indiana Fever.
Brittney Griner — New Team — Atlanta Dream
Let’s start by imagining how odd it would be not to see Griner in a purple and orange uniform. The nine-time All-Star and WNBA champion is currently playing in Unrivaled Basketball. Griner left Phoenix after 11 years, and the only franchise she has played for shocked the basketball world that she would be leaving the Mercury. Diana Taurasi and Griner have been the face of the franchise, and not having Griner as part of it will be an adjustment for WNBA fanatics. At this point, the duo has accomplished so much, winning a championship in 2014.
Griner, after 11 seasons with Phoenix, leaves with impressive statistics:
- Games = 315
- PTS = 17.7
- TRB = 7.4
- FG% = 56.2
- FG3% = 36.4
- FT% = 79.9
- MP= 30.4
Griner is the type of player the Atlanta Dream is getting this season: a post who can do it all. BG is an eight-time block champion, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, seven-time All-Defensive Team member, and two-time scoring champion. Griner will provide a presence in the paint, which the Dream has been lacking in recent years. The Dream has had a small lineup for the past few years, and adding a player like Griner will drastically improve their offense and defense.
Brionna Jones — New Team — Atlanta Dream
This week, another shocking free agency news story for WNBA fans is Brionna Jones’s departure from Connecticut to join the Atlanta Dream. Few expected Jones to leave the team that drafted her eighth overall in 2017. The Dream pursued two post players they desperately needed, as this has been their weakness. Jones brings a strong presence in the paint and shooting ability, making her a tough player to guard, finishing last season with a 53.8% shooting percentage from the field. Another uniform change fans will have to adjust to is that after seven seasons, she is switching from white, navy blue, and orange to red and blue uniforms.
Jones, who played for the Sun, was a three-time All-Star, made the 2021 All-Defensive Team, was the 2021 Most Improved Player, and earned the title 2022 Sixth Woman of the Year.
Jones, after seven seasons with Connecticut, leaves with impressive statistics:
- Games = 219
- PTS = 10.1
- TRB = 4.6
- FG% = 55.6
- FG3% = 17.2
- FT% = 77.2
- MP= 20.8
- AST = 1.1
- BLK = 0.4
Watch Griner and Jones debut with the Atlanta Dream on Friday, May 16, at 7:30 pm ET against the Washington Mystics.
