The Liberty are coming off the 2 greatest seasons of their historical past — a run that was punctuated with the franchise’s first WNBA Finals title in October.
Operating it again ought to be the plan for New York, particularly contemplating the league is due for a reset in 2026.
The Liberty have six gamers underneath contract for 2025 and have as much as six spots to fill.
Most if not all free brokers throughout this 12 months’s cycle might be signing one-year offers in preparation for the 2026 bonanza, with the brand new collective bargaining settlement anticipated to deliver elevated salaries.
The Liberty, based on HerHoopsStats.com, have $698,293 price of cap area for normal supervisor Jonathan Kolb to re-sign Breanna Stewart and flesh out the championship nucleus’ supporting forged.
Groups could make qualifying presents and “core” participant designations (the WNBA’s equal to the NFL’s franchise tag), starting Saturday.
Groups could start speaking with free brokers Jan. 21, although offers can’t be formally signed till Feb. 1.
With these dates developing, right here’s a have a look at Liberty’s state of affairs heading into free company:
Underneath contract
Sabrina Ionescu
The three-time All-Star might be coming into the ultimate 12 months of her contract.
Ionescu is slated to return for her fifth season in New York and is poised to be the group’s major level guard after averaging 18.2 factors, 6.2 assists and 4.4 rebounds final season.
Jonquel Jones
The Liberty are anticipated to welcome again the reigning WNBA Finals MVP for the ultimate season of the two-year deal she signed final offseason.
Jones, an eight-year veteran and 2021 league MVP, led New York in rebounding final season.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton
Handled a nagging knee damage final season, however got here up big within the Liberty’s Recreation 2 win in opposition to the Minnesota Lynx within the Finals with a superb 20-point efficiency.
She has one 12 months left on her deal.
Nyara Sabally
Has two years left on her rookie contract, with a group possibility for 2026. Sabally cemented herself into the Liberty’s future with an epic efficiency in Recreation 5 of the WNBA Finals.
Leonie Fiebich
Completed second in voting for WNBA’s Sixth Participant of the 12 months and didn’t skip a beat when she took over Courtney Vandersloot’s beginning function within the playoffs.
With three years left on a rookie deal, together with a group possibility in 2027, Fiebich’s future in New York seems vibrant.
win over the Minnesota Lynx at Barclays Heart. Michelle Farsi/New York Put up
Marquesha Davis
Has three years left on her rookie deal, together with a group possibility in 2027.
With a veteran-stacked roster, Davis performed sparingly her rookie season.
Reserved free brokers
(The Liberty have unique negotiating rights with every of the next gamers so long as they lengthen a qualifying provide.)
Marine Johannes
Was the Liberty’s sixth participant in 2023, however sat out final season due to the Olympics. It’s not instantly identified whether or not she’ll play in 2025.
the Las Vegas Aces. Michelle Farsi/New York Put up
But when she plans to return to the WNBA, then the Liberty ought to attempt to maintain her in New York.
Ivana Dojkic
Was a free agent pickup final offseason however performed restricted minutes and was out of the rotation for a lot of the playoffs.
Provided that, it looks like her time in New York might be over.
Rebekah Gardner
Missed all of final season as she rehabbed from a torn proper Achilles whereas enjoying abroad final February.
When the Liberty traded for Gardner final March, Kolb was quoted as saying that the group focused 2025 for Gardner’s return.
Jaylyn Sherrod
Appeared in 10 video games for the Liberty final season.
Sadly, it’s laborious for groups to develop expertise whereas contending for titles.
Unrestricted free brokers
Breanna Stewart
All indicators level to Stewart returning to New York for subsequent season.
The Liberty will probably use their core designation on the three-time WNBA champ to make sure that occurs.
Courtney Vandersloot
After Vandersloot was benched within the playoffs, it seems her time in New York is coming to an finish.
Talking Tuesday, Vandersloot mentioned she’s on the lookout for a group that will worth her and permit her to have the ball in her arms and create the way in which she does.
A pass-first level guard doesn’t match what the Liberty want at this level.
Kennedy Burke
Her versatile ability set and size was why she was a fantastic signing for the Liberty. However Burke fell out of the rotation within the playoffs, whereas Sabally ascended.
Kayla Thornton’s departure could pave the way in which for Burke to return for an additional 12 months.
Greatest query
Who will substitute Kayla Thornton?
Kolb’s first robust choice this offseason was which participant, outdoors the beginning 5, was he going to guard for final month’s enlargement draft.
The Golden State Valkyries finally picked Thornton.
Kolb already has a possible in-house answer to Thornton’s departure in Fiebich.
Bringing Burke again for extra wing depth is one other risk.
The Liberty may additionally look to signal a veteran from outdoors.
Alysha Clark, Myisha Hines-Allen and Gabby Williams are some unrestricted free brokers who may make sense, although the cash-strapped Liberty could be outbid.
One other want
Answer for backup level guard
With Vandersloot anticipated to be on her manner out, the Liberty might want to discover one other backup guard.
The Liberty’s choices are restricted given their money restraints.
It’ll be simpler to see the complete image as soon as New York is aware of what it’ll take to deliver Stewart again.
Las Vegas Aces. Michelle Farsi/New York Put up
That mentioned, one of many sneakier transactions Kolb has made was buying and selling for Gardner’s rights final offseason.
Gardner went undrafted out of UCLA in 2012 and performed a decade abroad earlier than the Sky signed her for the 2022 season. She made the All-Rookie Crew at 32 years outdated that 12 months averaging 8.4 factors, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists whereas principally coming off the bench.
Gardner missed a lot of the 2023 season and all of 2024 with separate accidents. If wholesome, although, she may play a key reserve function for the Liberty subsequent season.
Dream situation
Liberty commerce for Satou Sabally
The Dallas Wings ought to core Satou Sabally. But when she have been to need out and/or the Wings are open to transferring Sabally, then Kolb ought to have Curt Miller on pace dial.
Sabally is sensible for lots of causes.
Her arrival would instantly elevate the Liberty’s likelihood at successful back-to-back titles.
She already has private connections to the Liberty due to her sister, Nyara, and former school teammate, Ionescu.
Sabally comes with damage threat. However with the Liberty’s future past the 2025 season unsure, Sabally is nicely definitely worth the gamble.