The Liberty are coming off two of the best seasons in franchise history, punctuated by the franchise's first WNBA Finals title in October.
Getting that back should be New York's plan, especially considering the league is scheduled to reset in 2026.
The Liberty have six players under contract through 2025, allowing them to fill up to six spots.
Most, if not all, free agents during this year's cycle will sign one-year contracts in preparation for a bumper year in 2026, and the new collective bargaining agreement is expected to bring salary increases.
Liberty, According to HerHoopsStats.comgeneral manager Jonathan Kolb has $698,293 worth of cap space to re-sign Brianna Stewart and flesh out the championship's core supporting cast.
Starting Saturday, teams will be able to make qualifying offers and designate “core” players (the WNBA's equivalent of the NFL's franchise tag).
Teams may begin negotiations with free agents on January 21st, but a contract cannot officially be finalized until February 1st.
As these dates approach, let's take a look at the Liberty's situation heading into free agency.
Under contract
Sabrina Ionescu
The three-time All-Star is in the final year of her contract.
Ionescu will return for his fifth season in New York and is poised to be the team's primary point guard after averaging 18.2 points, 6.2 assists and 4.4 rebounds last season.
Jonquel Jones
The Liberty are expected to welcome back the reigning WNBA Finals MVP for the final season of the two-year contract he signed last offseason.
Jones, an eight-year veteran and 2021 league MVP, led New York in rebounding last season.
betoniya rainey hamilton
Although he was plagued by a lingering knee injury last season, Liberty made a splash with a 20-point performance in Game 2 of the Finals against the Minnesota Lynx.
She has one year left on her contract.
Nyala Sabally
He has two years left on his rookie contract with a team option for 2026. Sabally solidified himself for the Liberty's future with his stellar performance in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals.
Leonie Fievich
He finished second in voting for the WNBA's sixth Player of the Year and was quick to shine when he took over Courtney Vandersloot's starting role in the playoffs.
With three years remaining on his rookie contract, including a team option in 2027, Fibich's future in New York looks bright.
Victory over the Minnesota Lynx at Barclays Center. Michelle Falci/New York Post
markesha davis
She has three years left on her rookie contract, including a team option in 2027.
On a roster full of veterans, Davis didn't play much during his rookie season.
reserved free agents
(Liberty has exclusive negotiating rights with each of the players below as long as they extend their qualifying offers.)
Marine Johannes
He was Liberty's No. 6 player in 2023, but missed last season due to the Olympics. It's not immediately clear whether she will play in 2025.
Ace of Las Vegas. Michelle Falci/New York Post
But if she plans to return to the WNBA, Liberty should try to keep her in New York.
Ivana Dožić
He became a free agent last offseason, but his playing time was limited and he was out of the rotation for most of the playoffs.
With that in mind, her time in New York may be over.
rebecca gardner
He missed all of last season because he underwent rehabilitation from a torn right Achilles tendon while playing overseas in February of last year.
When the Liberty traded for Gardner last March, Kolb reportedly said the team was targeting Gardner to return in 2025.
Jaylin Sherrod
He played in 10 games for Liberty last season.
Unfortunately, it's difficult for a team to develop talent while competing for a title.
unrestricted free agent
brianna stewart
All signs point to Stewart returning to New York for next season.
The Liberty will likely use the core designation on the three-time WNBA champion to ensure that.
Courtney Vandersloot
Vandersloot was benched in the playoffs, but her time in New York appears to be coming to an end.
Speaking on Tuesday, Vandersloot said he is looking for a team that values him and allows him to create his own way with the ball in his hands.
A pass-first point guard doesn't fit what the Liberty needs right now.
Kennedy Burke
Her versatile skill set and length are why she is a great signing for the Liberty. However, Burke was removed from the rotation in the playoffs and Sabally was promoted.
Kayla Thornton's departure could pave the way for Burke to return for another year.
the biggest question
Who will replace Kayla Thornton?
Kolb's first difficult decision this offseason was which players outside of his starting five to keep in last month's expansion draft.
The Golden State Valkyries ultimately selected Thornton.
Mr. Kolb is already pinning his hopes on an internal solution to Mr. Thornton's departure from Fievich.
Bringing Burke back to add depth on the wing is also a possibility.
The Liberty may also consider signing a veteran from the outside.
Alesha Clark, Mysha Hines-Allen and Gabby Williams are some of the unrestricted free agents that make sense, although their bids may be higher than the cash-strapped Liberty.
different needs
Solutions for point guard backups
With Vandersloot expected to leave, the Liberty will need to find another backup guard.
Liberty's options are limited given its financial constraints.
Once New York City knows what it will take to bring Stewart back, the bigger picture will become easier to see.
Las Vegas Aces. Michelle Falci/New York Post
That being said, one of the sneaky trades Kolb made was trading Gardner's rights last offseason.
Gardner went undrafted out of UCLA in 2012 and played overseas for 10 years before the Sky signed him for the 2022 season. That year, at age 32, she was named to the All-Rookie team, averaging 8.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while mostly coming off the bench.
Gardner missed most of the 2023 season and all of 2024 with another injury. However, if healthy, she could play a key backup role for the Liberty next season.
dream scenario
Sato Sabally's Liberty Trade
The Dallas Wings should have Sabally Sato as their core team. But if she wants to let Sabally go, or the Wings are willing to move him, Kolb should have Kurt Miller on speed dial.
Sabally makes sense for a number of reasons.
Her arrival immediately increases Liberty's chances of winning back-to-back titles.
She already has a personal connection to Liberty thanks to her sister Nyala and former college teammate Ionescu.
Savary comes with a risk of injury. But with the Liberty's future uncertain beyond the 2025 season, Sabally is worth a gamble.
