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With WNBA free agency set to begin Feb. 1, superstars are ready to shake up the league’s balance of power.
Here are the best landing spots for five of the WNBA’s preeminent stars, from true free agents to those under contract wanting out.
Brittney Griner | Las Vegas Aces
The 2013 No. 1 overall pick doesn’t know any other team than the Phoenix Mercury. Approaching the end of her career, Griner will likely prioritize championships over individual accomplishments when testing free agency for the first time.
The best place to win for Griner is Vegas. The Aces need a front court partner for three-time MVP A’ja Wilson. After averaging 17.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game last season, Griner is still able to contribute at a high level.
The franchise needs a strong interior presence to take down defending WNBA champions Breanna Stewart and the New York Liberty.
Kelsey Plum | Golden State Valkyries
Expansion side Golden State must hit a home run with its first signing. Plum, a generational and charismatic guard, is the perfect player to build the team around.
She averaged 17.8 points and 4.2 assists per game last season while shooting 37% from three. The 30-year-old is in the prime of her career but seasoned enough to lead a new franchise with two WNBA championships under her belt.
With 1.2M Instagram followers, Plum’s marketability makes her critical for a new brand.
Jewell Loyd | Las Vegas Aces
With Las Vegas likely losing Plum, a high-volume scorer like Loyd is the best bet to replace her.
Loyd, who requested a trade from the Seattle Storm, knows how to pair well with a front court superstar to win championships, reaching the mountain top twice with Stewart. The 31-year-old averaged 19.7 points per game last season and could be the perfect counterpart to Vegas’ main woman Wilson.
The “Gold Mamba” could also be the clutch scorer that the Aces have been missing. According to Elias Sports Bureau, Loyd has the best career field-goal percentage in WNBA history in the final 30 seconds of the fourth quarter or overtime when shooting to tie or give the team the lead.
