At its outset, WNBA Free Agency could have been a category 5 maelstrom. It has since slowed to about a category 2 with the attention of the WNBA universe fixated on if a deal will get done involving the New York Liberty’s Tina Charles.
In the meantime, there were other deals still being worked out throughout the W – including one where the Dallas Wings are hoping to put together a similar sister act as the Los Angeles Sparks have going for them with the Ogwumikes.
OFFICIAL: Sky acquire Azura Stevens, Trade Katie Lou Samuelson to Dallas Wingshttps://t.co/S5F8aqLJ3M
— Chicago Sky (@wnbachicagosky) February 14, 2020
That deal involved the Wings getting Katie Lou Samuelson from the Chicago Sky (plus a 2021 draft pick) in exchange for Azura Stevens. The Sky selected Samuelson with the fourth overall pick in the 2019 WNBA draft.
Samuelson averaged just over seven points per game in 20 games for the Sky. Stevens averaged just under five in what was her second season overall in the WNBA. The news appeared to catch Samuelson, who played collegiately for UConn as did Stevens, off guard.
Just talked to Katie Lou Samuelson. She was shocked by the trade, last she heard she was staying. She hasn’t even really had time to process it. She found out on the way to #HerTimeToPlay clinic.
— Madeline Kenney (@madkenney) February 14, 2020
While she was caught off guard, Wings fans will be treated to seeing both Samuelson sisters on the court at the same time after a trade that was seen as a victory for both teams.
Shooters shoot! Welcome to the DFW Katie Lou! https://t.co/YmJVNVqg9L
— Greg Bibb (@greg_bibb) February 14, 2020
Will be campaigning for Karlie + Katie Lou minutes A LOT so get on board https://t.co/CzyPpurcf3
— Kurtis (@fromkurtis) February 14, 2020
This was tweeted last night. She’s in Chicago right now. And now she’s on @DallasWings ?!?! WELCOME @33katielou 💙💚 #WNBAFreeAgency is crazy‼️ https://t.co/sdkLX0ogKU
— Karlie Samuelson (@ksam44) February 14, 2020
With so much free agency news happening this week, what more has to happen? The Phoenix Mercury have been one of the more ballyhooed teams this free agency period between the trade of DeWanna Bonner to Connecticut, bringing Skylar Diggins-Smith to the Valley of the Sun from the Lonestar State, the ongoing speculation on Charles and Leilani Mitchell going back east to the Washington Mystics.
The Mercury made more news on Friday with the announcement that it had agreed to a new multiyear deal with Brittney Griner.
The Phoenix Mercury have locked in center Brittney Griner on a multi-year extension. https://t.co/24fJnboKjw
— 98.7 Arizona Sports (@AZSports) February 15, 2020
Griner has expressed in the past that the Mercury is the only WNBA team she would play for. It looks like Griner will be in the W for a bit longer to give opposing teams more problems in the low post.
As free agency played out into the weekend, the Sun struck at the chance to ink another signing with another free agent, bringing her back into the fold for 2020.
HOMETOWN HOLMES
Bria is back! pic.twitter.com/PRClzvwm0K
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) February 15, 2020
In addition, the Sky re-upped with Kahleah Copper on the heels of the pickup of Stevens.
OFFICIAL: Kahleah Copper Returns to Chicago, Re-Signs With Skyhttps://t.co/PsWSDzAJoz
— Chicago Sky (@wnbachicagosky) February 15, 2020
