MIAMI — Sabrina Ionescu was asked this week about the possibility of scouting former Oregon teammate Sato Sabally to the Liberty for next season.
But before the question was completely finished, Natasha Cloud interjected.
“We both do,” the Phoenix Mercury guard said.
There may have been some laughs, but don't get me wrong. Cloud wasn't kidding.
Cloud is one of several Unrivaled players working overtime this offseason to attract the WNBA's top free agents to their respective teams.
“This is a great place to recruit free agents,” Cloud said. “At the end of the day, I'm the best person for Satou moving forward, and that's what I want for Satou. … I'm literally willing to give up my apartment if she wants. But for me, I'm the best person for Satou moving forward. For a player to truly grow and reach his full potential on the court, Sato as a person needs to be happy.
Unrivaled is a unique opportunity for both free agents and contracted WNBA players hoping to compete in 2025.
Relationships are built on and off the court.
Some players are brutally honest in their conversations about their experiences with the team, while others are actively recruiting people to join their team.
Coffee has been purchased for free agents and meetings will be held in the coming days when free agents increase.
“We have a lot of free agents here,” Brianna Stewart said Friday. “It’s like a one-stop shop for everything.”
Cloud added: “It's a really great dynamic. You can obviously see people coming together and talking about it. We're going to be like, 'No!' no! no! Come in here and let me dismantle it. “But it’s a good time. ”
The team can officially begin negotiations with the free agent on Tuesday, but the deal won't be finalized until Feb. 1.
Thirty-six of the WNBA's best players will gather in Miami, where agents, general managers and other team executives are expected to be on hand for the three-month run of the 3-on-3 basketball league, which opened Friday night. .
Stewart, Sabally, Brittney Greiner, Alyssa Thomas, DeJonai Carrington, and Courtney Vandersloot are some of the most popular free agents to participate in the first season of Unrivaled.
Stewart and Greiner have already made clear their intentions to return to New York and Phoenix, respectively.
Thomas was named a core player by the Connecticut Sun on Friday.
Meanwhile, Sabally made a bombshell last week that he requested a trade from the Dallas Wings.
Sabally was impressed with the amenities Unrivaled offers.
As an athlete with a history of injuries, she particularly likes recovery options such as hot tubs, cold tubs, saunas and massages. This is something that current WNBA teams don't have, but it could have long-term implications. career length.
An improved player experience appears to be what Sabally is looking for in his next WNBA destination.
The Liberty, whose sister Nyara Sabally already plays, could be able to provide that, but several other teams also boast upgraded facilities compared to Dallas' team.
Ionescu said ultimately she wants Sabally to do what's best for her.
“Whether she comes to New York or not, I try to be able to advise her,” Ionescu said. “I know her family well, I know her well, and I want what's best for her. So for me, it's about her goals and priorities. I just listen to her and help her be the kind of friend she can talk to about the decisions she's made. And no matter how much I want to play with her again, I'm never going to force her in any way. .”
When asked what Sabally would look like in a Liberty uniform, Stewart replied: But I don't even know if I should answer that question. ”
