WNBA Free Agency: $249,244 star named backup for Liberty in Satou Sabally pursuit

Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally is one of the top names in WNBA free agency this offseason, and she is expected to have multiple teams approach her with contract offers. The early front runners to land the four-year pro are the New York Liberty, coming off their first championship in 2024. Both parties have expressed interest in each other as Sabally looks for a new team for the 2025 season.

According to The Next's Jackie Powell, the Liberty are expected to pursue the more attractive free agents when the signing period begins on Feb. 1. That list includes Sabally, one of the best shooters and scorers in the league before she went down with her shoulder injury. However, the Liberty have a backup plan if they can't sign Sabally, signing Seattle Storm guard Gabby Williams.

Last August, the Liberty pursued Williams on the trade market and were close to landing her, according to Powell's sources. They could attempt to chase her again if they strike out on Sabally and other targets.

The Liberty won't be able to improve the team as easily as they did last year, as both Sabally and Williams have been cored by their teams. With the core designation, Williams can sign a one-year contract worth $249,244 with the Storm.

The New York Liberty face another issue this offseason when it comes to potentially signing top free agents: a lack of cap space. The Liberty have nearly $700,000 in cap space, but some would be used to pay Breanna Stewart's cored qualifying offer. A lack of money makes the team a less attractive destination for Sabally and Williams, who could command more money elsewhere.

If the Liberty don't sign Satou Sabally or Gabby Williams, which teams could snag them off the market?

The New York Liberty have the sixth-most cap space available in the WNBA. Satou Sabally has expressed interest in playing in New York with her sister Nyara but could forego the opportunity in favor of a bigger payday. Williams could also choose to sign with another team for more money despite the Liberty's recent history of success and stacked roster.

Teams that could land the free agents seeking the biggest deals are the newly created Golden State Valkyries and the Chicago Sky. Both teams are on the younger side and have some intriguing players on their teams who are in need of leadership and a veteran presence. Angel Reese has been actively recruiting players to join her in Chicago and has become quite popular around the league.

Regardless, expect the Liberty to continue trying to improve their roster instead of resting on championship laurels.