Sue Bird reveals why Sabrina Ionescu's reunion with Fever's target is top of her Unrivaled watchlist

Sue Bird can’t wait to see Sabrina Ionescu and some of the best WNBA players compete in the inaugural Unrivaled tournament. The 3x3 league, co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, will begin on Friday in Miami.

Bird claimed she is eager for the competition to start because of the “unknowns” that will slowly unfold as the games progress.

On the "A Touch More with Sue & Megan" podcast, the four-time WNBA champ noted some compelling stories she will monitor. When asked about the player she is interested in seeing, Bird responded (13:20):

“I think the name that comes to mind is probably Sabrina’s. She’s coming off a little bit of an injury to her hand, so how is that gonna play out? But also, she’s teaming back up with a college teammate in Satou Sabally. So, really, the answer is Sab [Ionescu] and Satou [Sabally].”

Sabrina Ionescu injured her thumb in Game 4 of the 2024 WNBA Finals against the Minnesota Lynx. After helping the New York Liberty to their first franchise championship, the sweet-shooting guard underwent surgery. Ionescu’s offseason surgery almost kept her from joining Unrivaled, which made her the 36th and final player in the tournament.

When the teams were announced, many couldn’t wait to see the reunion between Ionescu and former Oregon teammate Satou Sabally. Joining the two on Phantom BC are Natasha Cloud, Brittney Griner, Marina Mabrey and Katie Lou Samuelson.

Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally, a reported free-agent target of the Indiana Fever, played for the Ducks for three seasons. They left the program in 2020 to join the WNBA. The New York Liberty made the former the No. 1 pick, while the Dallas Wings took the latter.

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Sue Bird is interested in another reunion besides Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally

Sabrina Ionescu joining forces with Satou Sabally isn’t the only reunion Sue Bird is interested in. The WNBA legend is also looking forward to another tandem that will open the competition.

She said (8:55 mark):

“On night one, I’m gonna focus on the Mist and there’s reasons for that. It’s Stewie’s team [Stewart]. Stewie’s one of the founders along with Napheesa Collier. … She’s teaming up with Jewell Loyd, so they’re being reunited on the basketball court.”

Sue Bird’s excitement to see Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd teaming up again is not surprising. Bird, Stewart and Loyd formed the Seattle Storm Big 3 from 2016 to 2022, which was the WNBA legend’s last season before retiring. The trio led the team to the 2018 and 2020 championships.