2024 WNBA free agency: Brittney Griner, Breanna Stewart lead list of 10 best available players

We’re now a week into the 2024 WNBA free agency period, and as expected, there have been some major moves. Most notably, two-time MVP Elena Delle Donne has reportedly decided to step away from basketball, and it’s unclear when or if she’ll play again. 

Several superstars have re-signed with their current clubs, including Jonquel Jones (Liberty), Satou Sabally (Wings), and Candace Parker (Aces), among others. Others, however, have teamed up to form a new superteam in the Pacific Northwest. Skylar Diggins-Smith and Nneka Ogwumike both signed with the Storm, who once again look formidable. 

For much of the league’s history, free agency essentially didn’t exist, at least in any meaningful sense. That all changed with the new collective bargaining agreement, which was ratified in 2020 and gave players far more power and control over their careers. Now, once again, we have a star-studded free agent class. 

As the action continues, here’s a look at the 10 best free agents on the market this winter. For a full free agent list, check out our tracker. 

1. Breanna Stewart

No surprise here. Though Stewart’s shooting abandoned her in the playoffs, she is the reigning MVP and coming off one of the best seasons of her career. Her 23 points per game were a career-high and the 10th-best scoring season of all time, and she became the fourth player ever to average at least 20 points, nine rebounds and three assists. A versatile force on both sides of the ball, Stewart is, at worst, a top-two player in the league. The Liberty have wisely used the core designation on Stewart, giving them exclusive negotiating rights. 

2. Jonquel Jones

Jones got off to a slow start in 2023 as she worked her way back from a foot injury and adjusted to a new role and new surroundings in New York. Once she did, she reminded everyone why she’s a former MVP. She averaged a double-double after the All-Star break and then set a new WNBA record for the most consecutive double-doubles in playoff history with eight. Jones was by far the team’s best player in the postseason, and the Liberty were eager to bring her back. 

3. Skylar Diggins-Smith 

Diggins-Smith ended up sitting out all of last season after giving birth to her second child, and she accused the Mercury of preventing her from using team facilities or resources while she was on maternity leave. It’s no surprise, then, that she sought out a new team this winter. In signing Diggins-Smith, the Storm will be getting one of the best, and most competitive, guards in the league. She made All-WNBA First Team in both 2021 and 2022, and is more than capable of adjusting her game toward scoring or playmaking depending on the situation. 

4. Satou Sabally

Sabally’s talent and potential have never been in doubt, but her ability to stay healthy has been. Last season, she finally put everything together and took the leap to stardom. In the process, she won Most Improved Player and led the Wings to their first playoff series win since 2009. Sabally’s athleticism and versatility on both sides of the ball make her a unique talent. In 2023, she joined Candace Parker as the only players in league history to average at least 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists per game throughout a season. She agreed to a one-year deal to stay with Dallas on Jan. 30 for $195,000.

5. Nneka Ogwumike

Ogwumike was back to her best last season, delivering her finest summer since she won MVP back in 2016. Alas, she was not able to drag the Sparks into the playoffs almost single-handedly, but it was not for a want of effort. The only other player to finish in the top 10 in scoring, rebounding, steals and field goal percentage was Finals MVP A’ja Wilson. In a surprise decision, Ogwumike announced early in the winter she would leave the only franchise she has ever known. Now, she’s signed with the Storm to team up with Jewell Loyd and Diggins-Smith. 

6. Brittney Griner

Griner’s return to action last summer after missing all of 2022 while wrongfully detained in Russia was one of the most inspiring sports stories of the year. Just playing again was impressive enough, but Griner was an All-Star starter and finished second in field goal percentage and third in blocks. There’s reason to believe she’ll be even better in 2024 with a full and normal offseason to rejuvenate her body and mind. While Griner is an unrestricted free agent, a return to the Mercury, the only team she’s ever known, seems likely. 

7. Elena Delle Donne

The two-time MVP has made a shock decision to step away from basketball indefinitely, according to Ramona Shelburne. Delle Donne has dealt with a series of injuries in recent years, which is likely a primary reason behind her decision. The Mystics used the core designation on Delle Donne, which gives them exclusive negotiating rights with the superstar forward if and when she decides to return. That way, even if she wants to play for a different team, the Mystics could negotiate a sign-and-trade rather than losing her for nothing. 

8. Brionna Jones

Jones’ 2023 season came to an unfortunate end in June when she tore her Achilles tendon, and it’s still unclear when she’ll be back on the court. Despite the injury, the Sun were quick to signal that they want to keep her around by using the core designation, and have now officially re-signed her. Ever since her breakout campaign in the bubble in 2020, Jones has established herself as an elite low-post scorer and rebounder capable of starting or coming off the bench. Prior to getting hurt last season, she was averaging 15.9 points and 8.2 rebounds on 57.1% shooting for the Sun.

9. DeWanna Bonner

Bonner’s longevity and durability are becoming the stuff of legend. The 36-year-old veteran did not miss a single game last season while still playing over 30 minutes a night. She also had her best scoring season since 2020 by averaging 17.4 points per game, the 14th best mark in the league. While efficiency has never been her calling card, Bonner’s ability to create her own shot from anywhere on the floor is a valuable skill, and she remains a tough, versatile defender. As expected, Bonner is staying with Sun and her fianceé, Alyssa Thomas.  

10. Candace Parker

Parker’s future was in doubt, given her previous public comments about retirement and the foot surgery that ended her 2023 campaign. She said in the fall she’d only return in 2024 if she was fully healthy, and it appears she is, as she’s agreed to re-sign with the Aces. Even well past her prime, she is still an impactful player thanks to her unique combination of skill, size and IQ. Off the floor, her experience and leadership is invaluable in the locker room.