The New York Liberty are reveling in their recent WNBA Championship victory—a magical season topped with confetti, champagne, and a massive trophy. But the glimmer of victory also brings the shadow of inevitable offseason moves. The Liberty’s roster, brimming with star power and tightly-knit chemistry, may be in for a shake-up. And yes, I’m talking about two big names who might not be back when next season’s tip-off arrives.
Who’s in Jeopardy of Leaving the Champs? Let’s Break It Down.
1. Courtney Vandersloot: The Free-Agent Flight Risk 🚁
Courtney Vandersloot, a five-time All-Star who could still give any WNBA team a boost, is eyeing free agency. Despite a modest 2024 season stat-wise—just 6.4 points per game across 31 outings—Vandersloot remains a seasoned court general. However, at 35, she’s at a career crossroads: Should she stay with the Liberty, basking in their championship glory, or shake things up and sign elsewhere?
With New York laser-focused on securing Breanna Stewart for the long haul, Vandersloot’s future with the Liberty is… questionable at best. New York has other hefty contracts to juggle, and Vandersloot could be the odd one out in the scramble for cap space. Let’s be real: her savvy, floor-reading skills are as sharp as ever, but could she call a different WNBA court “home” in 2025? Quite possibly.
2. Nyara Sabally or Kayla Thornton: The Expansion Draft Gamble 🎲
WNBA expansion fever is sweeping the nation, and with the Golden State Valkyries soon joining the league, it’s a real shake-up scenario. In the expansion draft, each team can protect only six players—leaving the fate of certain Liberty players hanging by a thread. With Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones likely locked for protection, the team has to decide: Do they keep Nyara Sabally or Kayla Thornton safe from the Valkyries’ reach?
If I were Sabally or Thornton, I’d have mixed emotions. Sure, being unprotected might mean leaving the reigning champions, but who wouldn’t want to be part of WNBA’s shiny new team? It’s like getting an invitation to the hottest party in town—only this one involves packing your bags and moving to California.
Imagine the Valkyries’ management eyeing New York’s roster, thinking, “Hmm, who should we steal from the champions?” Whether it’s Sabally’s post play or Thornton’s defensive prowess, both would be tempting additions. If they do go, New York fans might have to grit their teeth and watch two key players suit up in, well, anything but Liberty blue.
Will They Stay or Will They Go?
It’s all part of the game: championship rings, champagne showers—and the bittersweet uncertainty of who sticks around to defend the title. Whether Vandersloot tests the free agency waters or Sabally or Thornton get snapped up in the expansion draft, one thing’s for sure: this offseason will be a rollercoaster.
So, what’s next? The Liberty will pull out all the stops to keep their championship core intact, but this league keeps everyone on their toes. Until then, New York can bask in their hard-earned glory… and brace for whatever wild plot twist the offseason holds.