Courtney Vandersloot's time at Liberty is coming to an end.
At least that's what it sounded like during her first Unrivaled media appearance on Tuesday.
Vandersloot, 35 years old and with more than a decade of WNBA experience, knows what he wants during this free agency period.
And given her situation in New York deteriorated at the end of last season, a return to Liberty may be out of the question.
When asked what his priority will be in free agency, Vandersloot said, “I want to be recognized.” “I obviously want to be competitive, so I come into this league to compete for championships, and I want people who care about me and want me to be there and… It's a place that's thinking about what I can bring to the team that matters most. I want to take the ball and create my own form, and be in a place that's comfortable for me and my family.”
Vandersloot also said he has no intention of returning to New York for a third season.
“I'm going to go through free agency and see what's the best situation for me and my family,” Vandersloot said. “Obviously New York is where I was right now.” [and I] I feel like I'm a member of the New York Liberty and we've been winning championships. But I'm going to be a free agent and see what's best for me.”
Vandersloot didn't need to be blunt. But reading the situation, Liberty should be ready for next season without Vandersloot.
Not surprising at all considering how last season ended.
After starting the Liberty's first 80 games over the past two seasons (including all 31 regular season games he played in last season), Vandersloot had a reduced role during the 2024 playoffs.
Coach Sandy Brondello made a surprise adjustment to his playoff starting lineup, benching pass-first guard Vandersloot, a 14-year veteran, in place of rookie guard Leonie Fibich.
At the time, Vandersloot said the change was made to avoid a “thick” offense and spread out his playmakers Bethnia Rainey-Hamilton and Sabrina Ionescu.
With Vandersloot's role reduced, Ionescu took over lead point guard duties and averaged 16.9 points, 5.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds in the playoffs, leading the Liberty to the franchise's first title.
Meanwhile, Vandersloot came off the bench in Game 1 of the first-round series against the Atlanta Dream, marking the first time since 2017 that he did not start a WNBA game.
She didn't start a single game in the playoffs and played less than 10 total minutes in Games 4 and 5 of the WNBA Finals.
In 11 playoff games, Vandersloot averaged 5.3 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 14.3 minutes off the bench.
Vandersloot spent his first 12 seasons with the Sky after being drafted third overall in 2011 out of Gonzaga.
She won the championship with Chicago in 2021, but after failing to defend her title the following season, she decided to change her tune and join New York's burgeoning super team.
Jonquel Jones, Brianna Stewart, Ionescu and Vandersloot were the pillars of a roster expected to bring New York a title.
They had a successful second year together, but now it looks like one of those key players is about to leave.
Free agents can begin negotiations with teams starting Jan. 21, ahead of the official free agent contract period beginning Feb. 1.
Vandersloot is currently in Miami preparing for his first season of unrivaled basketball, which begins on January 17th.
She will play alongside Liberty teammate Brianna Stewart during the Unrivaled period and is scheduled to face Ionescu on Jan. 24, when the Mists play the Phantoms.
Meanwhile, Vandersloot said Unrivaled is the ultimate place for free agents.
And while figuring out her future in the WNBA can be a daunting task, she believes she'll have no trouble getting through it while playing in the new 3-on-3 basketball league.
“The important thing is how to balance these things,” said Vandersloot, 35. “We're here to work hard and get better, but obviously free agency is just around the corner.
“It's a great opportunity to have everyone here. I think there's a lot of people in town who can meet the team, and you see free agents in the hallways. If you're a free agent, this is a great place. I think.”
