{"id":562037,"date":"2026-04-03T11:08:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T11:08:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/562037\/"},"modified":"2026-04-03T11:08:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T11:08:16","slug":"wnba-expansion-draft-predicting-every-teams-protected-players-and-potential-top-targets-for-the-fire-and-tempo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/562037\/","title":{"rendered":"WNBA Expansion Draft: Predicting every team’s protected players \u2014 and potential top targets for the Fire and Tempo"},"content":{"rendered":"

After coming to an agreement on a new, transformational collective bargaining agreement<\/a>, the WNBA\u2019s offseason is in full swing. It\u2019ll be a bit of a sprint \u2014 I\u2019m both excited and pre-exhausted for what the next three weeks are about to be \u2014 but we\u2019re finally about to get some firm answers about what the league will look like.<\/p>\n

First on the docket is the expansion draft for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. Unlike last year, when the Golden State Valkyries got to handpick their team, we have two teams selecting from a pool of players. Further complicating matters is the fact that most of the league are set to be free agents; many players signed one-year deals in anticipation of the new CBA \u2014 and the expected (and now official) jump in salaries.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

In short, things will look a little different this time around. Some base rules for the draft, taking place this Friday at 3:30 ET<\/a>:<\/p>\n

There will be two rounds, with the Fire (selecting first) and Tempo making up to six selections per round.<\/p>\n

Each of the 13 non-expansion teams was able to protect five players (down from six last year) from its roster to be withheld from the draft pool; the remaining players are eligible to be selected by the Fire or Tempo.<\/p>\n

Once a player is selected from a team\u2019s unprotected list in the first round, no other player from that team can be selected until the next round. For example, if the Fire select Haley Jones (Dallas Wings), no other Wings player can be selected until the second round. The Fire or Tempo can select up to two players from the same roster; they just can\u2019t be selected in the same round.<\/p>\n

Any unprotected player who has five or more years of service and does not have a contract for the 2026 season is considered a \u201cPotential Unrestricted Free Agent.\u201d Portland and Toronto can only select one player each that fits that description. If the player they select is eligible to be designated as a Core Player<\/a>, they can make that designation. If the player is no longer eligible for a Core designation, the expansion team that selects that player will be the only team that can negotiate a supermax contract with that player. The latter portion could really matter for players like Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty), Bri Jones (Atlanta Dream) and Kahleah Copper (Phoenix Mercury); if their teams feel like they\u2019re a virtual lock to re-sign this offseason \u2014 Stewart has already announced<\/a> she\u2019s coming back to New York \u2014 they may choose (or gamble) to leave those players unprotected and use their protected slot on someone they feel is more at risk of being chosen.<\/p>\n

For this piece, we\u2019re going to look at each roster and the contract status for its players. We\u2019ll then do our best to predict who will be protected, and who some of the top targets will be in light of that. As a quick contract status guide:<\/p>\n

Under contract: These are the players on rookie scale contracts or, in the case of Kalani Brown (Mercury) and Lexie Brown (Storm), veterans who are already signed through this year.<\/p>\n

Unrestricted free agent (UFA): These players are eligible to sign anywhere they want … unless they get the Core designation.<\/p>\n

Restricted free agent (RFA): These players can sign offer sheets elsewhere, but their current team has the right to match an offer sheet.<\/p>\n

Reserved free agent: Unlike restricted free agents, their current teams have exclusive negotiating rights unless renounced.<\/p>\n

Draft rights: These are players that were (recently) drafted, but have not signed\/appeared in the WNBA yet.<\/p>\n

Suspended contract rights: There\u2019s a lengthier explanation<\/a>, but for the purposes of this exercise, think of them in a similar bucket to reserved free agents.<\/p>\n

In light of the Chicago Sky\u2019s recent trades with the Tempo and Fire \u2014 both teams have agreed not to select a player from the Sky\u2019s unprotected list for second-round compensation<\/a> \u2014 they\u2019ll be excluded in this exercise.<\/p>\n

All roster and contract status data comes courtesy of HerHoopStats.com.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Atlanta Dream<\/a> \u2022 Connecticut Sun<\/a> \u2022 Dallas Wings<\/a> \u2022 Golden State Valkyries<\/a> \u2022 Indiana Fever<\/a> \u2022 Las Vegas Aces<\/a> \u2022 Los Angeles Sparks<\/a> \u2022 Minnesota Lynx<\/a> \u2022 New York Liberty<\/a> \u2022 Phoenix Mercury<\/a> \u2022 Seattle Storm<\/a> \u2022 Washington Mystics<\/a><\/p>\n

Atlanta Dream<\/p>\n

Under contract: Te-Hina Paopao, Taylor Thierry<\/p>\n

UFA: Allisha Gray, Bri Jones, Brittney Griner, Jordin Canada, Nia Coffey, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough<\/p>\n

RFA: Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon<\/p>\n

Reserved: Maya Caldwell, Lorela Cubaj, Sika Kone<\/p>\n

Suspended: Maite Cazorla, Holly Winterburn<\/p>\n

Draft rights: Isobel Borlase, Nyadiew Puoch, Matilde Villa<\/p>\n

Likely protections: Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Bri Jones, Naz Hillmon, Te-Hina Paopao<\/p>\n

This feels relatively straightforward. Gray, Howard, Jones and Hillmon were the Dream\u2019s four best players last year. Paopao made a strong case for an All-Rookie selection last season, and her contract grants team control through 2028.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s an argument to leave Jones unprotected because she isn\u2019t core eligible. The 2025 season was the first time in her career she\u2019s firmly been her team\u2019s best and most prioritized frontcourt player, and she clearly seems happy in Atlanta.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

On the flip side, she would be the unquestioned star \u2014 not just top frontcourt option \u2014 for the Tempo or Fire if selected, and it may be hard to turn down a supermax ($1.4M). It\u2019s why I ultimately landed on Jones being protected.<\/p>\n

Key targets: Nyadiew Puoch, Isobel Borlase, Maya Caldwell<\/p>\n

Being able to get cost-controlled, high-potential talent should be a priority for the Tempo or Fire. Puoch and Borlase would certainly fit the bill there. If the aim is more immediate impact, getting exclusive negotiating rights to Caldwell \u2014 one of the few genuine 3-and-D wings in the WNBA \u2014 would be a great bit of business.<\/p>\n

Connecticut Sun<\/p>\n

Under contract: Leila Lacan, Saniya Rivers, Aaliyah Edwards, Aneesah Morrow, Rayah Marshall<\/p>\n

UFA: Marina Mabrey, Tina Charles, Lindsay Allen, Bria Hartley<\/p>\n

RFA: Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Haley Peters<\/p>\n

Reserved: Nikolina Milic, Mamignan Toure<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Likely protections: Marina Mabrey, Leila Lacan, Saniya Rivers, Aaliyah Edwards, Aneesah Morrow<\/p>\n

This also feels relatively straightforward. The quartet of Lacan, Rivers, Morrow and recently acquired Edwards are all on their rookie contracts and boast (moderately) high potential. Mabrey is the team\u2019s best veteran and most dangerous shooter, though growing pains within heightened on-ball responsibility led to efficiency dips last season.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s room to make a \u201cWe dare you to core her\u201d gamble with Mabrey to protect another one of the young bigs, but 1) I\u2019m not sure if they need to protect three bigs and 2) I\u2019d anticipate the Sun wanting to take a real step in wins this season with their unfortunate departure from Connecticut on the horizon. Mabrey likely helps more with that.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Key targets: Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Rayah Marshall<\/p>\n

With that being the case, I\u2019d be all over ONO as a target. She\u2019s coming off of a career year, and I think there\u2019s more there. She\u2019s a quality screener, passing hub and versatile defender. Any more growth as a self-creator and you\u2019re looking at a pretty firm starting-quality big.<\/p>\n

Marshall didn\u2019t get much burn with the Sun last year because of the frontcourt depth, but I\u2019d be intrigued to see how much of her defensive activity (and wild stock production<\/a>) carries over from her USC days.<\/p>\n

Dallas Wings<\/p>\n

Under contract: Paige Bueckers, Maddy Siegrist, Aziaha James, JJ Quinerly, Diamond Miller<\/p>\n

UFA: Arike Ogunbowale, Ty Harris, Myisha Hines-Allen<\/p>\n

Reserved: Luisa Geisels\u00f6der, Haley Jones, Li Yueru, Grace Berger<\/p>\n

Suspended: Awak Kuier, Lou Lopez Senechal<\/p>\n

Likely protections: Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale, Maddy Siegrist, Luisa Geiselsoder, Awak Kuier<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

I think the only guarantees here are Bueckers and Ogunbowale. Bueckers is already the face of the franchise, and Ogunbowale is an All-Star talent that, at bare minimum, the Wings would want to have some level of control over if they decide to pivot in another direction. I personally think they should give their partnership another year, but you at least want to be in position to work through sign-and-trade possibilities versus losing Ogunbowale for nothing.<\/p>\n

\"ARLINGTON,<\/p>\n

Aziaha James (10) is among the Dallas options that the Fire or Tempo could choose from. (Photo by Sam Hodde\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

(Sam Hodde via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

From there, you can go in multiple directions. I have them going frontcourt-heavy with Siegrist (bonafide bucket), Geiselsoder (huge fan of how many areas she can impact) and Kuier (former 2021 No. 2 pick who has shown real growth overseas and is only 24), but you could easily swap one or more out for the rookie guards (James, Quinerly) or the recently acquired Miller.<\/p>\n

Key targets: Aziaha James, JJ Quinerly, Diamond Miller, Haley Jones, Li Yueru<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t realize it until I started typing here, but there\u2019s literally a starting lineup of young prospects the Fire or Tempo could choose from. At bare minimum, all five are either under contract or have exclusive negotiating rights. Jones (versatility) and Quinerly (speed demon with shooting chops) would be my favorites from the group, but there\u2019s plenty to like from the Dallas options.<\/p>\n

Golden State Valkyries<\/p>\n

Under contract: Carla Leite, Kate Martin<\/p>\n

UFA: Tiffany Hayes, Temi Fagbenle, Kayla Thornton, Monique Billings<\/p>\n

RFA: Veronica Burton, Cecilia Zandalasini<\/p>\n

Reserved: Janelle Salaun, Iliana Rupert, Laeticia Amihere, Kaitlyn Chen<\/p>\n

Draft rights: Just\u0117 Jocyt\u0117<\/p>\n

Likely protections: Veronica Burton, Janelle Salaun, Iliana Rupert, Just\u0117 Jocyte, Carla Leite<\/p>\n

All five players are cost\/team-controlled assets in some way, with Burton (what a year) headlining the list. I had a tough time with Leite vs. Zandalasini for the last spot; Zandalasini\u2019s unique combination of size and on-ball skill was pretty darn important for the Valkyries last year, but Leite\u2019s drives and overall activity also popped in her minutes. Ultimately, youth won out \u2014 Leite turns 22 in a couple of weeks and has more years of team control, while Zandalasini (30) is up for a well-deserved raise this offseason.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Key targets: Cecilia Zandalasini, Kate Martin, Laeticia Amihere<\/p>\n

Assuming she\u2019s available, I would be shocked if Zandalasini wasn\u2019t one of the early picks in this year\u2019s expansion draft. She averaged 12.7 points on 67.3 true shooting across her 10 starts while operating as a reliable secondary creator within their offense.<\/p>\n

Beyond that, Martin got to self-create more while doing her usual gap-filling and defending. The Amihere drives have always intrigued me; if she\u2019s able to find a defensive coverage she\u2019s comfortable with, there\u2019s a real player in here.<\/p>\n

Indiana Fever<\/p>\n

Under contract: Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, Makayla Timpson<\/p>\n

UFA: Kelsey Mitchell, Natasha Howard, Sophie Cunningham, Aari McDonald, Damiris Dantas, Sydney Colson, Bri Turner<\/p>\n

Suspended: Kristy Wallace<\/p>\n

Likely protections: Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull, Makayla Timpson<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

The Boston\/Clark\/Mitchell trio is one of the best in the league. With Boston and Clark on rookie contracts and Mitchell slated to test free agency if she isn\u2019t cored, these are easy choices. Hull, an elite cutter and rugged defender coming off of another solid shooting season (36.7% on career high 3.4 attempts) is also an easy choice, especially when you consider she\u2019s a restricted free agent.<\/p>\n

I think Timpson gets the final nod. Her energy popped in limited minutes last season, and I wouldn\u2019t be shocked to see her role grow with either a departure or minute reduction from veteran Natasha Howard. Her being on a rookie contract gives her an edge over currently better players like Howard, Aari McDonald, or Sophie Cunningham.<\/p>\n

Key targets: Chloe Bibby, Kristy Wallace<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

McDonald and Cunningham are better players when healthy, but I think the cost\/team-controlled context for Bibby and Wallace would make them more valuable targets. Bibby would be top billing for me; players her size generally don\u2019t shoot as well or as willingly behind the arc as she does. She could accentuate the talents of whichever guards the Tempo or Fire select.<\/p>\n

Las Vegas Aces<\/p>\n

Under contract: Aaliyah Nye<\/p>\n

UFA: A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, Jewell Loyd, Dana Evans, Kiah Stokes, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, Megan Gustafson<\/p>\n

RFA: NaLyssa Smith, Kierstan Bell<\/p>\n

Likely protections: A\u2019ja Wilson, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, Aaliyah Nye, NaLyssa Smith<\/p>\n

First, an important PSA<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Beyond that, these choices were easy. The Big Three were going to be protected, leaving us two spots for three cost or team-controlled assets (Nye, Smith, Bell). Nye\u2019s on a rookie deal and could grow into one of the league\u2019s best shooters, so she should be safe. After losing Kate Martin in the expansion draft last year, I\u2019m willing to guarantee something like that doesn\u2019t happen again.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

It comes down to Smith and Bell, both playing key (starting) roles for the Aces as they completed an unprecedented midseason turnaround and ultimately won a championship. Smith\u2019s size, rebounding and supplementary scoring give her the edge to me.<\/p>\n

Key targets: Kierstan Bell<\/p>\n

If it plays out that way, Bell (and her RFA rights) seems to be the easy choice. She\u2019s had to mold herself into a space-cut-defend role player, but she\u2019s more comfortable self-creating. On an expansion team, she may have more room to spread her wings.<\/p>\n

There are better players available, like former All-Star Jewell Loyd, but with her not being core-eligible, the Fire or Tempo would have to ask themselves if they\u2019re willing to offer max or, as it\u2019s allowed, supermax money to Loyd. Ditto for Dana Evans, who would likely be a relatively high pick in the expansion draft (or outright protected by the Aces) if she wasn\u2019t an unrestricted free agent.<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Sparks<\/p>\n

Under contract: Rickea Jackson, Cam Brink, Sarah Ashlee Barker, Sania Feagan<\/p>\n

UFA: Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby, Azura Stevens, Emma Cannon<\/p>\n

Reserved: Rae Burrell, Julie Vanloo, Alissa Pili<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Likely protections: Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby, Rickea Jackson, Cam Brink, Rae Burrell<\/p>\n

Four of these choices are easy: Plum and Hamby are the best players on the team, while Jackson and Brink are pretty easily the best and most valuable young players on the roster.<\/p>\n

\"LOS<\/p>\n

Azura Stevens (23) could be a top target for the Fire or Tempo. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

(Katelyn Mulcahy via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

From there, the Sparks have a decision to make. Do you protect the better player in Stevens, coming off a career year, or do you protect Burrell who seems primed to break out in a similar way?<\/p>\n

I landed on Burrell. There\u2019s real two-way wing potential as her decision-making improves. Her contract status makes her easier to retain than Stevens. There\u2019s also the matter of Brink\u2019s next steps; she made her return last season, but the Sparks may be ready to turn the center position over to her entirely.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Key targets: Azura Stevens, Julie Vanloo, Sania Feagan<\/p>\n

Not only should Stevens be an easy selection for the Fire or Tempo if available, she should probably be one of the first two players taken. The list of bigs who can shoot, drive and pass the way she can is incredibly short.<\/p>\n

Beyond that, we\u2019ve already seen Vanloo serve as a bridge point guard for an expansion team. Feagan is an intriguing long-term prospect at the 5 who I wouldn\u2019t mind taking the chance on.<\/p>\n

Minnesota Lynx<\/p>\n

Under contract: Dorka Juh\u00e1sz, Anastasiia Olairi Kosu<\/p>\n

UFA: Napheesa Collier, Kayla McBride, Alanna Smith, Courtney Williams, Bridget Carleton, Jessica Shepard, DiJonai Carrington, Natisha Hiedeman<\/p>\n

Reserved: Maria Kliundikova, Jaylyn Sherrod, Camryn Taylor<\/p>\n

Draft rights: Aubrey Griffin, Maia Hirsch<\/p>\n

Likely protections: Napheesa Collier, Kayla McBride, Alanna Smith, Courtney Williams, Dorka Juh\u00e1sz<\/p>\n

Keeping the Core Four and protecting Juh\u00e1sz, a skilled, cost-controlled big that may be slated for big minutes depending on how free agency goes, feel like relatively simple choices to make.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

I had some internal debate about Carleton vs. Williams \u2014 Williams is the better player, but she is older and perhaps easier to move on from in light of the Lynx holding the No. 2 pick of this year\u2019s draft (Olivia Miles, anyone?) and maybe looking for a different veteran flavor at that spot (I\u2019d watch Skylar Diggins). Ultimately, a Carleton-Tempo connection may be inevitable.<\/p>\n

Key targets: Bridget Carleton, Maria Kliundikova<\/p>\n

Carleton would be core-eligible if selected, but you\u2019d have to hope that dollar figure could be negotiated down in a longer-term deal. Either way, her ability to shoot, cut and defend at a high level makes her a fit just about anywhere.<\/p>\n

Kliundikova became a reliable third-big option for the Lynx as the season went on. Her combination of size and skill popped; the fact that the Fire or Tempo would get exclusive negotiating rights for her could make her a more tantalizing option.<\/p>\n

New York Liberty<\/p>\n

Under contract: Leonie Fiebich, Nyara Sabally<\/p>\n

UFA: Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, Natasha Cloud, Emma Meesseman, Kennedy Burke, Izzy Harrison, Stephanie Talbot<\/p>\n

Reserved: Marine Johannes, Ivana Dojkic, Rebekah Gardner<\/p>\n

Suspended: Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Raquel Carrera, Han Xu, Seehia Ridard, Annika Soltau<\/p>\n

Draft rights: Marine Fauthoux, Adja Kane<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Likely protections: Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, Leonie Fiebich, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Nyara Sabally<\/p>\n

It\u2019s time for shenanigans!<\/p>\n

As mentioned earlier, Stewart being core-ineligible leaves the door open for New York to make a bet: pick her if you want, but she\u2019s more likely to re-sign with us than sign a supermax with you. Considering she\u2019s already announced that she\u2019s coming back, I think it\u2019s fair to assume New York will leave her unprotected so they could use that slot elsewhere.<\/p>\n

Ionescu and Jones (also core-ineligible, but I wouldn\u2019t play around with that) are easy choices, as is Leonie Fiebich. She\u2019s cost-controlled, but more importantly, she\u2019s already one of the best 3-and-D wings in the league (with some hidden creation chops that I\u2019d like for her to explore more often). Getting a healthy Laney-Hamilton back should boost the Liberty on both ends, and, for what it\u2019s worth, she is beloved there on and off the floor.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

The last spot came down to veteran Natasha Cloud, who may love being in New York more than anyone else loves any singular thing, or the younger, cost-controlled Sabally. I went with the latter, though it\u2019s worth noting the risk here. Cloud is eligible for the core designation; if someone like Vanloo provides value as a bridge point guard, Cloud \u2014 still an all-world defender with strong driving and playmaking chops \u2014 would fit the bill even more. Though as we saw with her trade to the Sun, bringing Cloud to a situation she doesn\u2019t want to be in may not be worth the time.<\/p>\n

With that said\u2026<\/p>\n

Key targets: Natasha Cloud, Raquel Carrera, Marine Johannes<\/p>\n

I still select Cloud if she\u2019s actually available. At best, you get a strong leader on and off the court that can help stabilize you on both ends of the court in the short term. In the \u201cworst\u201d case scenario, you use the core designation and then work out a trade. There\u2019s a hint of shadiness there, but this is a business at the end of the day.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Beyond that, Carrera and Johannes are probably my favorite cost\/team-controlled options from the list.<\/p>\n

Phoenix Mercury<\/p>\n

Under contract: Kalani Brown<\/p>\n

UFA: Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally, Kahleah Copper, DeWanna Bonner, Sami Whitcomb<\/p>\n

Reserved: Monique Akoa-Makani, Natasha Mack, Kathryn Westbeld, Lexi Held, Kitija Laksa<\/p>\n

Suspended: Klara Holm, Helena Pueyo, Julia Ayrault<\/p>\n

Likely protections: Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally, Kahleah Copper, Monique Akoa-Makani, Natasha Mack<\/p>\n

Protect your stars, protect Akoa-Makani (I am still annoyed she didn\u2019t make the All-Rookie team), and protect one of the most underrated defenders in the league in Mack. There\u2019s room to engage in light shenanigans; Copper is core-ineligible, so you could leave her unprotected if there\u2019s faith (and by all counts, there should be) that she\u2019s going to return to Phoenix no matter what. In that event, you could also protect one of the other reserved free agents.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Key targets: Kathryn Westbeld, Lexi Held, Kitija Laksa<\/p>\n

If the Mercury do protect Copper, the Fire or Tempo should be happy selecting from this group.<\/p>\n

Westbeld is quietly scheme-versatile as a defender, a willing screener and ball-mover, and isn\u2019t afraid to pull from deep. Held fit nicely into Phoenix\u2019s full-court pressure system and also flashed real juice as a driver and open-shot maker. Laksa is an unabashed gunner from deep with nice positional size \u2014 you\u2019d just need a strong defensive infrastructure around her.<\/p>\n

Seattle Storm<\/p>\n

Under contract: Dominique Malonga, Jordan Horston, Nika Muhl, Lexie Brown<\/p>\n

UFA: Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins, Gabby Williams, Brittney Sykes, Ezi Magbegor, Erica Wheeler, Tiffany Mitchell, Katie Lou Samuelson<\/p>\n

Reserved: Zia Cooke, Mackenzie Holmes<\/p>\n

Likely protections: Dominique Malonga, Jordan Horston, Skylar Diggins, Gabby Williams, Ezi Magbegor<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Malonga and Horston should be safe because of their upside and years of team control. In terms of veterans, Diggins and Williams are 1) incredibly good at basketball and 2) aren\u2019t worth the risk of upsetting if you don\u2019t protect them. That leaves one spot open.<\/p>\n

I think Ogwumike, like Stewart, falls under the \u201cshenanigans\u201d tab: she can\u2019t be cored, and she\u2019s likely to be back, so there\u2019s no need to use a protection slot on her. This really boils down to Magbegor or Sykes, two players that, as of this writing, I\u2019d predict will be playing elsewhere next season.<\/p>\n

I landed on Magbegor. She\u2019s the youngest of the two, and I think she\u2019d garner more assets in a core-then-trade scenario than Sykes would.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Key targets: Brittney Sykes, Zia Cooke<\/p>\n

If that\u2019s the case, Sykes becomes the best or second-best player available in this year\u2019s expansion draft. She\u2019s a tremendous defender, an unrelenting driver, underrated playmaker and daredevil shot-taker.<\/p>\n

Among the other candidates, I found myself impressed with Cooke\u2019s buy-in defensively. It wasn\u2019t always perfect, but her ball pressure and screen navigation was better than what we\u2019ve been accustomed to. The bucket-getting potential will always be there; she feels like someone that could go later in the expansion draft and surprise some folks during the regular season if given the opportunity.<\/p>\n

Washington Mystics<\/p>\n

Under contract: Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, Jacy Sheldon, Georgia Amoore, Lucy Olsen<\/p>\n

UFA: Alysha Clark, Stefanie Dolson, Jade Melbourne<\/p>\n

RFA: Shakira Austin, Sug Sutton<\/p>\n

Reserved: Emily Engstler, Madison Scott, Bernadett Hatar<\/p>\n

Draft rights: Nastja Claessens, Txell Alarcon<\/p>\n

Likely protections: Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, Shakira Austin, Jacy Sheldon, Georgia Amoore<\/p>\n

Protecting the Citron\/Iriafen\/Austin trio should be a no-brainer, even if you ultimately work out a sign-and-trade with Austin later in the offseason. From there, it\u2019s two spots between six team\/cost-controlled players.<\/p>\n

I landed on the recently acquired Sheldon (the Aaliyah Edwards-to-Connecticut trade) and last year\u2019s No. 6 overall pick in Amoore. Amoore is worth real discussion here, though. She missed all of last season with a torn ACL; with the Mystics holding three first-round picks in this year\u2019s draft (4, 9, 11), they could be in range for a top-tier point-guard prospect.<\/p>\n

Though I don\u2019t think it\u2019s the likeliest outcome, there is a world where Awa Fam, Lauren Betts, and Azzi Fudd, in some order, are the first three picks. Are you passing up on Olivia Miles if you\u2019re the Mystics? I sure wouldn\u2019t. And if Miles is gone, you\u2019re in range to take Kiki Rice or Raven Johnson if you view them highly enough.<\/p>\n

Key targets: Emily Engstler, Sug Sutton<\/p>\n

If Amoore is protected, I think Engstler and Sutton would be my top choices. Engstler is such a unique talent; so much so that teams haven\u2019t really understood how (and how much) to use her. An expansion roster feels like an ideal context for her to be unleashed. Sutton is a more known quality; she\u2019s getting downhill, getting to the midrange, and making your life miserable on the defensive end. Only 27 years old, there may be more to tap into there.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"After coming to an agreement on a new, transformational collective bargaining agreement, the WNBA\u2019s offseason is in full…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":562038,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[73],"tags":[188707,53534,9207,5624,49795,2648,4130,15447,27040,2832,3444,2837,5479,435,49796,5550,1760,248948,77719,41653,7636,248950,438,104464,4384,3252,2834,32473,7637,48944,11649,51109,2836,56300,53533,248946,4804,248953,29249,248951,70912,2839,7638,9212,66744,649,2838,14400,4807,23628,32286,16802,118208,7143,26794,18117,51379,4806,10504,85478,9214,62124,72776,146256,4677,27038,85475,16803,9215,5621,32287,12815,3029,29250,60810,99353,248947,12816,85511,236912,1077,60204,53536,9216,3250,7788,12814,114699,5484,436,66639,4385,16806,58389,2833,5551,12077,10505,248949,18118,68329,3675,27041,92929,16808,4676,67373,4386,4805,99,9218,248952,9219,82497,7631,27042,85228,60207,8253,434],"class_list":["post-562037","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-wnba","tag-a39ja-wilson","tag-aaliyah-edwards","tag-aaliyah-nye","tag-aari-mcdonald","tag-alanna-smith","tag-aliyah-boston","tag-allisha-gray","tag-alyssa-thomas","tag-aneesah-morrow","tag-arike-ogunbowale","tag-atlanta-dream","tag-aziaha-james","tag-azura-stevens","tag-breanna-stewart","tag-bridget-carleton","tag-brittney-griner","tag-caitlin-clark","tag-camryn-taylor","tag-carla-leite","tag-cecilia-zandalasini","tag-chelsea-gray","tag-cheyenne-parker-tyus","tag-chicago-sky","tag-chloe-bibby","tag-connecticut-sun","tag-courtney-williams","tag-dallas-wings","tag-damiris-dantas","tag-dana-evans","tag-dearica-hamby","tag-dewanna-bonner","tag-diamond-miller","tag-dijonai-carrington","tag-dominique-malonga","tag-emma-meesseman","tag-expansion-team","tag-golden-state-valkyries","tag-grace-berger","tag-haley-jones","tag-haley-peters","tag-iliana-rupert","tag-indiana-fever","tag-jackie-young","tag-jaylyn-sherrod","tag-jessica-shepard","tag-jewell-loyd","tag-jj-quinerly","tag-jonquel-jones","tag-jordin-canada","tag-julie-allemand","tag-julie-vanloo","tag-kahleah-copper","tag-kalani-brown","tag-kate-martin","tag-kathryn-westbeld","tag-kayla-mcbride","tag-kayla-thornton","tag-kelsey-mitchell","tag-kelsey-plum","tag-kennedy-burke","tag-kiah-stokes","tag-kierstan-bell","tag-kitija-laksa","tag-laeticia-amihere","tag-las-vegas-aces","tag-leila-lacan","tag-leonie-fiebich","tag-lexi-held","tag-lexie-brown","tag-lexie-hull","tag-li-yueru","tag-lindsay-allen","tag-los-angeles-sparks","tag-luisa-geiselsoder","tag-maddy-siegrist","tag-makayla-timpson","tag-maria-kliundikova","tag-marina-mabrey","tag-maya-caldwell","tag-megan-gustafson","tag-minnesota-lynx","tag-monique-billings","tag-myisha-hines-allen","tag-nalyssa-smith","tag-napheesa-collier","tag-natasha-cloud","tag-natasha-howard","tag-natasha-mack","tag-naz-hillmon","tag-new-york-liberty","tag-nia-coffey","tag-nneka-ogwumike","tag-nyara-sabally","tag-olivia-nelson-ododa","tag-paige-bueckers","tag-phoenix-mercury","tag-portland-fire","tag-rae-burrell","tag-rayah-marshall","tag-rhyne-howard","tag-rickea-jackson","tag-sabrina-ionescu","tag-saniya-rivers","tag-sarah-ashlee-barker","tag-satou-sabally","tag-seattle-storm","tag-shatori-walker-kimbrough","tag-skylar-diggins","tag-sophie-cunningham","tag-sports","tag-sydney-colson","tag-taylor-thierry","tag-te-hina-paopao","tag-temi-fagbenle","tag-tiffany-hayes","tag-tina-charles","tag-toronto-tempo","tag-veronica-burton","tag-washington-mystics","tag-wnba"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/562037","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=562037"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/562037\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/562038"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=562037"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=562037"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=562037"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}