Blockbuster moves dominate first day of WNBA free agency

The GIST: While some big names are sticking with their squads, WNBA free agency is off to an otherwise wild start, with a few of the W’s finest shaking up rosters as the signing period officially opened yesterday.

Skylar Diggins-Smith: The six-time All-Star is leaving the Phoenix Mercury for the Seattle Storm, reuniting with her former Notre Dame teammate and backcourt bestie, Jewell Loyd. Cue up Mariah because these hoopers belong together.

• After sitting out the 2023 season following the birth of her second child, Diggins-Smith will be a key part of the Storm’s ongoing rebuild following Sue Bird’s retirement in 2022 and Breanna Stewart’s departure in 2023.

Natasha Cloud: Diggins-Smith’s former team, meanwhile, are gaining one of the best defenders in the league. Cloud previously spent her entire eight-year career with the Washington Mystics and is known for her tenacious defense that played a major role in the ’Stics’ 2019 championship.

Who’s still making up their mind: Elena Delle Donne, Cloud’s former Mystics teammate, who was cored by her team but is reportedly exploring other options. Elsewhere, former LA Spark Nneka Ogwumike has allegedly whittled her short list down to three squads: the Chicago Sky, the NY Liberty, and the Storm.

• And while the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces remain mostly intact, free agent Candace Parker is staying quiet about her 2024 plans. The veteran superstar’s 2023 season was cut short by foot surgery, and she hasn’t announced plans for a comeback…yet.