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Free agency is behind us and boy, was it a frenzy. Many talented, big-name players moved teams and the league is still trying to find its collective breath after all the changes. Now that rosters have been retooled, the upcoming draft takes on even greater significance in shaping teams’ futures. With that, I present to you my 2025 WNBA Mock Draft 2.0, post-free agency edition!
My selections factor in team fit, the play of the players since the first mock, and what the teams need now. Note that there is still so much that will change and we aren’t certain who will officially declare for the draft. This is a futile exercise in fun and debate, so have at it!
Note: While there would normally be 13 first-round selections with the addition of the Golden State franchise, the league rescinded the Las Vegas Aces’ first-round selection in the 2025 draft.
1. Dallas Wings—Olivia Miles, Guard, Notre Dame
Mock 1.0 Selection: Paige Bueckers
Choosing Olivia Miles over Paige Bueckers is more than just comparing high-end talents; it’s about fitting the right player into the Dallas Wings’ system. While Bueckers is undoubtedly a fantastic player, Miles has been just as sensational this season. Averaging 16.6 points per game (PPG), 6.2 assists per game (APG), and 6.1 rebounds per game (RPG), all while shooting 52.5 percent from the field and 43.2 percent from beyond the arc, Miles has proven to be a dynamic force. Her all-around game has helped propel Notre Dame to national title contention, and her career averages of 14.9 PPG, 6.8 APG, and 6.3 RPG show her consistency as a triple-double threat.
Miles is a standout among scoring point guards this season. She ranks fourth in adjusted+ rating, three-point percentage (3PT%), and regularized adjusted plus-minus (RAPM). She’s second in effective field goal percentage (eFG%). She is a three-level scorer who also excels defensively, ranking in the 93rd percentile for defensive rating and 99th for defensive win shares. Miles impacts every facet of the game, making her the type of versatile player the Wings need as they aim to elevate their roster. Given the high stakes of the first overall pick, the Wings cannot mess up this pick like they did in 2021. Remember, there have been rumors circulating that Paige Bueckers might not be interested in playing for the Dallas Wings, casting doubt on her potential move to the WNBA. If these rumors are true, it could alter the trajectory of her decision to declare and the overall draft order.
The Wings have already made strides in adding depth, versatility, and improving their defense, but to truly contend, they need a player who can elevate them to the next level. Both Miles and Bueckers can step in right away, but Miles offers more efficiency, proven versatility, and explosiveness off the ball that will match the new Wings. Her experience playing alongside high-caliber guards like Hannah Hidalgo and Sonia Citron will prepare her to mesh well with Wings stars Arike Ogunbowale and Teaira McCowan. She knows how to integrate with other talented players, and her ability to adapt makes Miles the ideal player to build around under general manager Curt Miller and head coach Chris Koclanes.
Bueckers excels as a shooter and scorer. While she’s a strong playmaker, her primary strength lies in her scoring—particularly as a shooter who stretches defenses. Bueckers can pass, but her game is more centered on shot creation and off-the-dribble play. Miles simply offers a little more versatility at point guard. She’s a top-notch scorer and a facilitator, capable of drawing defenders to her and creating opportunities for teammates. This makes her a dual threat in the backcourt, able to initiate offense and elevate those around her. With her court vision and basketball IQ, Miles can seamlessly switch between scoring and playmaking. She may not be a traditional point guard, but her flexibility is exactly what the Wings need. Miles can orchestrate the offense and allow the Wings’ other players to thrive.
The biggest factor in the Wings’ draft decision should be how their new player fits alongside Ogunbowale. Ogunbowale is a high-volume shooter who has struggled with efficiency, often because she has been forced to create her shot in iso situations. The Wings need a player who can relieve Ogunbowale of that burden, creating easier opportunities for her to move off-ball, allowing her to focus more on scoring. Miles’ court vision and leadership make her a better complement to Ogunbowale than Bueckers. She can set Ogunbowale up for higher-quality scoring chances, likely improving her efficiency. With Miles facilitating, Ogunbowale can focus on scoring in transition, catch-and-shoot situations, kickouts, or exploiting mismatches, which would diversify the offense overall. Put simply, think about the fireworks Miles and Ogunbowale can create nightly.
Beyond benefiting Ogunbowale, Miles would elevate the entire team with her motor and basketball IQ. She is a true floor general, capable of commanding the offense and involving everyone in the system. Whether it’s setting up a shooter, running the pick-and-roll, or making the right defensive plays, Miles impacts every area of the game. Bueckers, while a creative scorer, doesn’t offer the same level of facilitation.
The Wings have already established a solid foundation, but to take the next step, they need a player who, in time, can elevate the team to championship contention. Miles is that player. Her skill in managing the offense, improving ball movement, and leading the team would bring balance, ensuring everyone plays a role in the team’s success.
2. Seattle Storm (via LA) — Paige Bueckers, Guard, Connecticut
Mock 1.0 Selection – Kiki Iriafen
Bueckers may fall, but it won’t be far. For all that Miles is, Bueckers runs toe-to-toe with her in most statistical categories. In her own right, Bueckers, amongst scoring point guards this season, is first in RAPM and adjusted+ rating and turnover percentage, third in rim percentage, sixth in eFG%, 10th in mid-range percentage and 3PT%, per hoop-explorer.
She’s a bucket from anywhere on the floor and has done a hefty amount of work carrying her team this year. She’s a natural-born leader and even though I have her here, I wouldn’t be surprised if Dallas chose her first overall.
Seattle needs scorers, especially from its backcourt. At present, a backcourt of Skylar Diggins-Smith and… Nika Muhl? Lexie Brown? Neither moves the needle enough. The Storm are okay on the wings, even with the long-term injury to Jordan Horston, and they also have some size in the paint with Nneka Ogwumike and Gabby Williams back in the fold. Injuries have befallen Bueckers in the past too, ironically sharing similar ACL injuries to Miles. At present, she’s fully healthy and can be a steadying presence for a Storm team that needs stability after a murky offseason. With Bueckers in tow, the team can use her as the primary defender, so SDS can maintain energy for orchestrating the offense. Eventually, this may change, but Bueckers will find herself in a great city known for its UConn guard play.
3. Chicago Sky — Georgia Amoore, Guard, Kentucky
Mock 1.0 Selection – Miles
No, I am not making this choice out of recency bias after her recent career-high-scoring performance. Nor am I doing so because a certain someone wrote a terrific piece about her. I’m making this selection primarily since there’s no clear number three behind Miles and Bueckers, but more importantly, because of the fit and the overall quality of the player.
Amoore has continued to increase her output, even while shifting to a new team and new conference. Amoore’s 19.0 PPG, 43.0 field-goal percentage and 7.1 APG would be career highs. She has been the leader–both on and off the court–for Kentucky all season, and her two-way playing style makes her a strong fit on nearly every team.
Chicago is more or less set in the frontcourt for at least the next few years with Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, leaving plenty of gaps in the backcourt. One of the best pick-and-roll players in college will move seamlessly to a team with capable pick-and-roll bigs. Allowing her to grow as a facilitator under Courtney Vandersloot’s tutelage and as a three-point shooter from Bec Allen will pay dividends.
I could see Sonia Citron finding her way here as a secondary scorer to Reese and filling out the two or three position for the Sky, snagging Amoore with her superior intellect, court vision, scoring, and passing makes her the right fit for Chicago to take with this pick.
4. Washington Mystics — Kiki Iriafen, Forward, USC
Mock 1.0 Selection – Sonia Citron
Iriafen only drops because her competition has had such stellar seasons and she has had a “down year” by her standards. This is likely due to her playing with arguably more talent around her than she ever has before at USC, but she is still putting up fantastic numbers. Iriafen’s 18.0 PPG and 8.3 RPG on 50.6 percent shooting are nothing to sneeze at. Iriafen has been the dominant post-force she’s always been for a top-tier Trojans squad.
Looking closer, amongst bigs this season, she’s third in RAPM and 10th in adjusted+ rating, per hoop-explorer. She’s a headache for all would-be defenders. While her jump shot could use some polishing, she’s a quality player who, in a couple of years, has the potential to be dominant in the WNBA.
That timeline should align well with the Mystics’ new front office. Finally admitting to the essential teardown, this team is looking towards 2027 or 2028 for true contention, if all goes well. While Dominique Malonga fits the old regime’s love of foreign prospects, the new regime may not be so patient. Taking a player they know can and will play now, even if still developing, may be the safer choice for the novice front office.
By the time they’re ready to compete, Iriafen might have her jump shot in place, which could push her out to a three in some lineups or a four next to Shakira Austin. Iriafen also operates as a small insurance policy in case Austin’s injury troubles continue to haunt her. Currently holding down that role is Aaliyah Edwards.. Stefanie Dolson has one year remaining on her contract, and she may be best suited for a prominent bench role as she looks to improve her stock for 2026 free agency. Iriafen to Washington is a pick to max out value for the immediate future.
5. Golden State Valkyries — Dominique Malonga, Forward, France
Mock 1.0 Selection – Aneesah Morrow
Well, the expansion draft and free agency came and went, and the W’s newest team got…something. The Valkyries missed out on all the big names on the trade market and in free agency, but acquired veteran and 2024 Sixth Player of the Year Tiffany Hayes. This leaves the squad as likely bottom of the standings for the next few years, so why not take a project that won’t see WNBA action for a few years?
Malonga is raw but incredibly talented. She can be a force and a lineup staple sooner rather than later, as her experience on the French national team proved she is not far from playing under the brightest lights. Take the pick now knowing she’ll need more seasoning overseas, and aim for a couple of years down the road when she’s locking down the opponent’s best player each night.
6. Washington Mystics (from DAL via ATL) — Sonia Citron, Guard, Notre Dame
Mock 1.0 Selection – Serena Sundell
Another outstanding player I have no biases towards, Citron has proven she’s a quality player, even if her profile doesn’t scream number one option. With the return of Miles and finally playing in the triad of excellent guards at Notre Dame, Citron’s numbers this season have expectedly taken a dip. She’s averaging 13.8 PPG, 2.8 APG, 5.6 RPG, and 2.1 steals per game (SPG) on 48.2 percent shooting overall and 38.0 percent from distance.
Amongst combo guards though, she’s second in RAPM and seventh in adjusted+ rating, per hoop-explorer. Citron is a terrific secondary and tertiary scorer, one that adds depth, spacing, defense, and toughness to any team. Citron knows how to play with star talent on her team, finding her role and impact flawlessly.
I still feel it’s in Washington’s best interests to trade from their collection of quality backcourt options, like Ariel Atkins and Brittney Sykes, while even selling high on Karlie Samuelson. With just about everyone on the squad becoming an unrestricted free agent (UFA) after the season, the Mystics will need to replenish the coffers with talented, near-ready talent in the backcourt. Should a deal not materialize, Citron can learn alongside Sykes and Atkins, spreading the floor and giving them more space for the drivers they are. And if the team is content with Sykes running the offense again, all the better to have a spacer and scorer like Citron opposite Atkins.
7. New York Liberty (via swap with PHX) — Serena Sundell, Guard, KSU
Mock 1.0 Selection – Malonga
I love Serena Sundell’s game and believe she offers the Liberty exactly what they need here. She has been the driving force for Kansas State all season, averaging 13.5 PPG, 7.0 APG, and 4.5 RPG on 49.1 percent shooting from the field. Alongside Ayoka Lee, Sundell has pushed the team into the national conversation. And without Lee, who fell to another injury on January 19, Sundell has carried the load, averaging 14.9 PPG and 5.8 APG.
Amongst point guards this season, Sundell is second in RAPM and adjusted+ rating. Even with her three-point shooting numbers down a bit this season to under 30.0 percent, she was at nearly 40.0 percent just last season.
I believe New York will like a player like Maryland’s Shyanne Sellers, who’s rocketed up draft boards since the beginning of the season. However, I believe Sundell offers a more complete package and can fill in off the bench this season to add the depth the Liberty lost in the offseason. She can also handle facilitating responsibilities, allowing Sabrina Ionescu to roam more freely off-ball. With so many players becoming UFAs after the season, drafting Sundell offers a bit more backcourt security for the 2026 season.
8. Connecticut Sun (from DAL via IND) — Aneesah Morrow, Forward, LSU
Mock 1.0 Selection – Ajša Sivka
Morrow continues to thrive in the post-Reese world, carrying the load for the Tigers team this season. She’s averaging 18.1 PPG, a career-high 14.4 RPG, and 2.5 SPG on a shade under 50.0 percent from the field. Morrow is a punishing and fierce player, imposing her will with a relentless attack.
Amongst wing forwards this season, Morrow is sixth in adjusted+ rating and fourth in defensive rebounding percentage, per hoop-explorer. When locked in, Morrow is a terror for opposing defenses to stop.
On a team with Natasha Cloud, Mabrey, Tina Charles, and Diamond DeShields, the edge and toughness factor, won’t be questioned. The cohort is older, so the team will need to fill in the surrounding gaps with younger players who can contribute right away. This is a team in transition, and like so many other teams in the league, many of these players might not be on the team next year. Morrow brings her edge and some toughness that will translate well at the next level.
9. Los Angeles Sparks (via SEA) — Aziaha James, Guard, NC State
Mock 1.0 Selection – Amoore
James has been a name many felt could be a fringe first-rounder for the latter portion of her career, but for me, this year pushes her over the top and firmly entrenches her as a first-round selection.
This season, she is averaging 17.7 PPG, 2.7 APG, and 4.8 RPG on 47.0 percent shooting. Her numbers are strong, even if she is still a bit raw and needs time to round out her game, especially her shooting from deep.
Nevertheless, James is a hooper. Amongst wing guards this season, James is seventh in adjusted+ rating and 15th in RAPM, turnover percentage, and midrange percentage, per hoop-explorer. Being a strong rim finisher means she can score effectively at two levels. She’s a fierce competitor and adds a ton of energy to the game.
The Sparks have a lopsided team without a ton of clean fits. It’s a team mixed with some high-level talent, a couple of mid-tier, rising players, and a lot of bench players. The team is also in need of wing players who can drive and create their scoring after losing Lexie Brown. Playing alongside Kelsey Plum, Rickea Jackson, and Cameron Brink should open up some opportunities for her.
10. Chicago Sky (via CON) — Shyanne Sellers, Guard, Maryland
Mock 1.0 Selection – Te-Hina Paopao
As mentioned, Sellers has taken her game to new levels this season, pushing beyond a role player and shining as the go-to scorer on a reborn Terrapins team. With more help, her scoring this season is down a touch, but there’s no denying she’s still the leader of this squad. On the season, Sellers is averaging 13.9 PPG, 4.3 APG, and 4.1 RPG on 48.6 percent shooting and 42.9 percent from deep.
Amongst scoring point guards this season, she’s 12th in RAPM, 20th in adjusted+ rating, and 11th in three-point percentage, per hoop-explorer. She’s an improved shooter and doesn’t shy away from a mismatch. There is improvement to be had as a defender, but for a team like Chicago, this can be a strong selection late in the first round that head coach Tyler Marsh will develop.
The Sky are another rebuilding team that has holes in most places. The backcourt should be a place to focus on, specializing in players that can facilitate, create, and play in the pick-and-roll. If Chicago snags Amoore at the three, Sellers can be a quality running mate, opening further opportunities for Reese and Cardoso in the post.
11. Minnesota Lynx — Sedona Prince, Center, TCU
Mock 1.0 Selection – Ayoka Lee
At 6’6”, Prince has surprisingly developed into a mobile big. She can efficiently do most of the things a player of her size needs to do to contribute to the modern WNBA like offensive rebounding and rim protection. On the season, she’s averaging 17.8 PPG, 9.1 RPG, and 3.1 BPG on 60.8 percent from the field and, amongst true centers this season, Prince is third in RAPM, fifth in adjusted+ rating, and 10th in block percentage, per hoop-explorer. She’s not a floor spacer, but for this Minnesota team it may not be needed.
The Lynx don’t play with a ton of pace, coming in at 10th this past season. They don’t need it, as they’re scoring prowess proved deadly to the finals last season. If the team wants to play more old-school ball with a traditional big, Prince can slide into that role behind Napheesa Collier and Dorka Juhász. Prince can become an integral bench cog under head coach Cheryl Reeve, and develop a few post moves under Collier’s leadership.
At the same time, Prince has had her share of off-the-court troubles. That could impact if she’s taken in the first round, or whether she falls down the draft board.
12. Dallas Wings (from Connecticut via NY/PHX pick swap) — Ayoka Lee, Center, Kansas State
Mock 1.0 Selection – Azzi Fudd
This is all pending health, but even if Lee isn’t fully healthy entering the next W season, she’s still the best big in the draft.
Lee is averaging 16.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and 2.3 BPG on 65.4 percent shooting. She has the best footwork, hands, and rim package of all the bigs in the draft. She’s a punishing finisher and lockdown defender.
Amongst centers this season, she’s first in adjusted+ rating and turnover percentage, fourth in RAPM, fifth in eFG%, 10th in rim percentage, and sixth in block percentage. Keep in mind she hasn’t played in a month; that’s how good she’s been.
Even if Lee is not a full-go next season, she can become an important rotational bench player. Dallas loves to retain bigs, and Lee can take notes from Teaira McCowan. If newly acquired NaLyssa Smith doesn’t pan out or the team moves on from TMC next offseason, Lee should be fully healthy and can take the starting role alongside the No. 1 overall pick. She is worth the gamble as the final pick of the first round to see what she’s capable of at the WNBA level.
All stats through Feb 18. Unless otherwise noted, all stats are courtesy of collegiate team websites, ESPN.com, Her Hoop Stats, and WNBA.com.