As the WNBA trade deadline looms, New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart is contemplating the complexities of team building and roster moves. While she has not definitively ruled out a future role in a WNBA front office, Stewart finds herself analyzing the strategic elements of assembling a successful team.
Stewart, who actively discusses the collective bargaining agreement and salary cap intricacies with Liberty General Manager Jonathan Kolb, was prompted to consider the upcoming deadline. The Liberty, currently holding a 15-12 record and positioned seventh in the standings, aim to be championship contenders despite facing challenges due to injuries. Key players Leonie Fiebich and Satou Sabally have been sidelined, impacting the team's ability to solidify its lineup.
Despite the absences, Stewart expressed confidence in the current roster's potential. "I don’t know if we’re one piece away," Stewart stated. "I also feel like we have what we need to get it done. I just think that we need to just really focus on the now with it instead of thinking about, ‘Oh, when this person comes back or this person comes back.’ It’s like, no, actually you just do it. We all just step up and we make it happen and I feel like the first half of the season there was a little bit of hesitancy from everybody to … fully commit and keep going even though we know we’re down some people."
Coach Chris DeMarco shares Stewart's optimism. "We’re excited to get going out of All-Star break, great energy right now," he said. "And it’s an important West Coast trip for us."
The Liberty are considered one of the most intriguing teams as the league approaches what is anticipated to be a busy trade period.
Trade Speculation Surrounding Key Players
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton has been a subject of trade rumors throughout the season, further fueled by her recent healthy scratches. Coach DeMarco, however, stated the team is not holding her out due to a potential trade, explaining that the deep roster necessitates difficult lineup decisions. "I said before, we have a super-talented roster and there’s only so many minutes," he commented. "And we’re in a good place right now and we’re really happy with how our bench has contributed."
Reports indicate that trade conversations involving Laney-Hamilton have intensified. However, the Liberty's limited cap space of $129,904 presents a hurdle for any potential deal. With Laney-Hamilton on an expiring contract, any trade might require the inclusion of future assets or additional players.
Other Teams Facing Deadline Decisions
Across the league, other teams are also navigating the trade deadline. The Los Angeles Sparks, with a 10-16 record, are tied for 10th place. Kelsey Plum, currently recovering from a leg injury, re-signed with the Sparks on a one-year deal but reportedly is not inclined to remain with the team beyond 2027. Given the significant assets the Sparks traded to acquire Plum, there is speculation that they may seek to gain future assets now if her tenure in Los Angeles is nearing its end.
The Washington Mystics, despite being one of the league's younger teams, hold a comfortable hold on eighth place. As they aim to secure a playoff spot, questions arise about whether they should pursue a significant trade to bolster their position. The Mystics possess a strong frontcourt but could benefit from an additional perimeter shooter and a secondary ball handler to enhance their offense before the deadline.