The beginning of 2025 feels like ages ago in WNBA years, and the impact of this year’s period of free agency is only truly starting to be felt now that we are halfway through the season. This year saw a lot of surprising changes, roster demolitions, and several veterans making leaps to brand new teams \u2014 and some of the consequences of those moves are apparent in the way teams have performed so far. At this point, it’s safe to say the Mercury and the Dream came out of free agency on top (but time will tell if they hang on to that spot). <\/p>\n
Let’s look back on a few of the biggest trades and how they’ve paid off for the teams involved so far:<\/p>\n
Kelsey Plum was traded to the Sparks: B<\/p>\n
The Sparks, Aces, and Storm entered into a three-team trade<\/a> that brought Plum back to her home state of California (and also sent Jewell Loyd to Las Vegas). The decision to bring on Plum was immediately a big success for the Sparks \u2014 Plum dropped 37 points and led the team to an 84-67 win over the Valkyries.<\/p>\n The Sparks aren’t having their strongest season (the team is currently ranked 11th in the league), but Plum is averaging 19.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. She’s also proven to be a leader for a young team that has the potential to move into contender status in seasons to come.<\/p>\n Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally joined the Mercury: A+++<\/p>\n Is it possible to grade this with unlimited pluses? Sabally and Thomas both joined the Mercury from the Wings and Sun, respectively, and they hit the ground running and have yet to look back \u2013 or even break a sweat. Sabally has been balling hard all season, and Thomas is in the middle of what could prove to be her strongest season yet<\/a>.<\/p>\n In fact, the entire Mercury team has put in a performance that few could have \u2014 or would have \u2014 predicted in May when Coach Tibbetts explained the team would be playing positionless basketball. Whatever he’s cooking in Phoenix is hitting, and the Mercury are on track to become serious contenders this season.<\/p>\n Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones made big franchise changes: A<\/p>\n News that Griner, who was drafted by the Mercury in as the No. 1 overall pick by the Mercury in 2013 and played with the team up until this year, was trading the southwest for the southeast was surprising, but Griner seemed confident about the decision<\/a> \u2014 and it’s safe to say it was the right one. Griner has come alive for the Dream and is averaging 10 points and 5.6 rebounds so far this season.<\/p>\n Jones also made a big leap when she departed the Sun, who drafted her as the No. 8 overall pick in 2017, for the Dream, but the decision has similarly proven to be the correct one. <\/p>\n DeWanna Bonner signed with the Fever: D<\/p>\n Well: at this point, we all know how this trade deal worked out. After signing with the Fever earlier this year, Bonner missed five games due to “personal reasons” in June before she was waived by the team. The decision wasn’t a total wash, as Bonner became the third-highest scorer in league history while playing at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, but it obviously didn’t work out for her or for the Fever.<\/p>\n