Liberty adds Rebecca Allen and Pauline Astier to strengthen the bench

Liberty’s Busy Start to Free Agency

It was quite the whirlwind for the Liberty during their first weekend of free agency.

They kicked things off by signing Sato Sabally, aiming to create a strong and talented starting lineup, which will also feature Sabrina Ionescu, Brianna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, Leonie Fievic, and Betoniyah Rainey-Hamilton.

Now, general manager Jonathan Kolb is turning his attention to bolstering the bench as the Liberty eye more championship possibilities.

The team confirmed on Monday the one-year signings of winger Rebecca Allen and French point guard Pauline Astier.

Allen, reportedly signing a contract worth $350,000—just above the league minimum—returns to the Liberty after spending her first seven WNBA seasons with the team. She recently mentioned on a podcast that New York feels like “home.” Known for her defensive skills, she carries a career shooting percentage of 35.5% from three-point range.

Now 32, Allen has played with the Connecticut Sun, Phoenix Mercury, and Chicago Sky over the past three years. Last season with the Sky, she participated in all 44 games, starting 17, and averaged 5.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and a personal-best 1.3 assists.

This new signing raises questions about Rebecca Gardner’s future with the team. Gardner received a reserve qualifying offer last week and had expressed her intention to return to Brooklyn this season.

As an athletic wing, she brings versatility—slashing abilities and solid defense are qualities emphasized by the Liberty’s management.

However, Gardner is set to turn 36 this summer, and her playing time fluctuated last season. She acknowledged that it was challenging. With Allen in the mix, Gardner could find herself competing for minutes.

Is there a chance she might request a trade for more consistent playing time?

On another front, Astier, aged 24, is recognized as one of Europe’s top prospects. Multiple WNBA teams, including the Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx, had eyes on her, but she ultimately chose to join the Liberty at the rookie minimum of $270,000.

Standing at 5 feet 11 inches, Astier is noted for her exceptional passing ability. Her more traditional point guard style injects fresh energy into the Liberty roster.

Currently playing for USK Prague, she averaged 10.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.9 steals in 14 EuroLeague games, showcasing impressive shooting percentages across the board.

Bringing Astier on board fulfills the Liberty’s need for a backup point guard and likely closes the door on Natasha Cloud’s potential return to New York.

With the signing of Sabally to a multi-year contract—details of which remain confidential—the Liberty’s roster choices seem set, yet they have already offered training camp contracts to Spanish forward/center Raquel Carrera and Australian forward Anneli Mailey. They also plan to re-sign Marin Johannes, who received a reserve qualifying offer last week.