Sparks make intriguing roster move ahead of WNBA free agency

The 2025 WNBA free agency period officially began this weekend, allowing teams to offer qualifying deals to restricted free agents and core tags to designated players. Some notable moves have already been made, such as the Las Vegas Aces coring Kelsey Plum and the New York Liberty expected to do the same with Breanna Stewart. According to WNBA Transactions, the Los Angeles Sparks also made a significant roster move ahead of the main free agency period.

Leading up to the 2025 WNBA free agency period, the Sparks added Julie Allemand to their active roster. Allemand was acquired from the Chicago Sky in a trade prior to the 2024 WNBA season. However, she missed playing for the Sparks last year due to an ankle injury sustained during the offseason, which also led to her withdrawal from the Belgium national team at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

This news comes as a positive development for the Sparks, who had suspended Allemand’s contract for the previous season. In the trade with the Sky, the Sparks also received Li Yueru and a 2025 third-round draft pick.

Julie Allemand’s Role as Sparks’ Point Guard

Heading into the 2025 season, one of the Sparks’ key priorities is securing consistent and strong point guard play. With the Dallas Wings holding the top pick in the 2025 draft, the Sparks may not have the opportunity to select Paige Bueckers from UConn to address this need.

This makes Allemand’s recovery crucial for the upcoming season. Her last WNBA appearance was in the 2022 season with the Sky, where she played 25 games and averaged 3.0 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. Allemand’s shooting percentages were 41.7% from the field, 29% from three-point range, and 83.3% from the free-throw line.

Originally drafted by the Indiana Fever in 2016, Allemand made her WNBA debut in 2020 and was named to the All-Rookie Team. She has experience as a starter and off the bench, with a hiatus in 2023 to prioritize commitments with the Belgium national team.

David Yapkowitz is a basketball journalist for ClutchPoints, covering NBA, WNBA, and NCAA Basketball news. With bylines in Basketball Insiders, SB Nation, and The Next Hoops, the Los Angeles native brings insights into the world of basketball.