WNBA Offseason Acquisitions: Power Rankings

Every year during the WNBA offseason, teams make moves—either through trades or signings—in hopes of improving their competitiveness. Some of these trades yield great results, like the New York Liberty’s successful acquisition of Jonquel Jones and Brianna Stewart, which led to their 2024 championship.

However, not all roster changes create the desired impact on the court. Now, with a month of the WNBA season behind us, we’ve compiled a power ranking of the eight offseason acquisitions that have had the most significant influence. This ranking takes into account both the individual performance of players and how their additions have reshaped their teams’ fortunes, though it’s worth noting that these rankings may change as the season progresses.

Just a quick note: this list isn’t yet final. It includes rookies as well as players who joined through WNBA expansion.

1. Natasha Howard, Minnesota Lynx

Natasha Howard is currently averaging 17.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game—making her the fourth-highest scorer among offseason transfers, trailing only Brittney Sykes, Marina Mabry, and Chennedy Carter. What stands out about Howard is her defensive prowess and the fact that the Lynx have secured seven consecutive wins, boasting the league’s best record at 9-2.

At 34, Howard had played for the Indiana Fever last season, where she averaged 11.4 points and 6.7 rebounds. Her stats have clearly improved since joining the Lynx in free agency.

2. Jessica Shepherd, Dallas Wings

Jessica Shepherd is experiencing a breakout season in Dallas, posting averages of 13.5 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game with an impressive shooting percentage of 57.4%. She made history by becoming the first player in WNBA history to record a triple-double (22 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists) and has been vital to the Wings’ 7-3 start.

Shepherd initially took on a backup role with the Lynx last year, averaging 8 points and 7.3 rebounds. However, with more playing time this season, especially in Nafeesa Collier’s absence, her performance has shown considerable improvement.

3. Gabby Williams, Golden State Valkyries

Gabby Williams has found her niche with the Valkyries, leading the league’s top defense while contributing significantly on offense. She’s averaging 14.5 points, alongside 3.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, and shooting 38.3% from beyond the arc.

According to Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase, Williams’ playing style and unselfishness are a great fit for the team. Last season, she averaged 11.6 points with the Seattle Storm before moving to the Valkyries.

4. Marina Mabry, Toronto Tempo

Marina Mabry’s decision to join Tempo in free agency has paid off, as she’s having a career year with averages of 17.6 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game, along with her best-ever shooting efficiency. Tempo has also outperformed expectations with a 6-5 record thus far.

Previously, as an offensive asset for the Connecticut Sun, Mabry averaged 14.4 points but did so with lower shooting efficiency compared to this season.

5. Carla Leite, Portland Fire

Kara Leite, selected by the Portland Fire during the expansion draft, is also enjoying a breakout season. She’s putting up 14 points and 5 assists per game—up from 7.2 points and 2 assists the prior year—and has stepped up during crucial fourth quarters. Her shooting percentage has jumped to 44.2% from 38.7% last season with the Valkyries.

Leite has been a consistent performer and a solid contributor on both ends of the court.

6. Angel Reese, Atlanta Dream

Angel Reese is currently averaging 13.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. As the former No. 7 draft pick, she leads the league in rebounds for the third consecutive year and plays a crucial role in the Dream’s elite defense. The Dream are currently tied for third place with a 7-3 record, largely thanks to Reese. It’s worth noting that her lower ranking here is due to the team’s already solid performance last year, and she has a bit less responsibility than some other players on this list.

Reese was traded from the Chicago Sky during the offseason, where she averaged 14.7 points and 12.6 rebounds.

7. Brittney Sykes, Toronto Tempo

At 31 years old, Brittney Sykes is making her first All-Star appearance and has been quite active for the Tempo this season. She’s averaging 20.1 points—placing her fifth in the WNBA—alongside 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals.

8. Chennedy Carter, Las Vegas Aces

Having spent last season away from the league, Chennedy Carter has returned with a bang, contributing 17.5 points and 1.3 steals per game off the bench for one of the league’s powerhouse teams. Her shooting percentages are remarkably high—65.1% from the field and 58.8% from three-point range—helping the Aces stand at 8-3.

A number of other notable players found new homes this offseason, such as Skylar Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike, Bridget Carlton, and Sato Sabally. Rikea Jackson is also worth mentioning, though her season was cut short by an ACL injury just four games in.