The WNBA offseason received off to a sizzling begin, however the largest storyline is likely to be what the Solar did to their roster.
Connecticut seems on observe to not return a single member of its beginning lineup from the 2024 season. The Solar reportedly signed and traded Alyssa Thomas as a part of a blockbuster commerce to the Phoenix Mercury — Tyasha Harris was included within the deal. Bri Jones reportedly signed with the Atlanta Dream. And on Saturday, DiJonai Carrington reportedly was traded to the Dallas Wings. DeWanna Bonner is a free agent and sure will signal with a unique group. Stephanie White additionally left to change into Indiana Fever head coach.
These strikes signaled the Solar’s transition right into a full rebuild. It was a tragic flip of occasions for a group that made six straight convention finals and two runs to the WNBA Finals throughout that stretch. Nonetheless, it was inevitable.
Thomas vocally known as out possession for its lack of assist of the group final yr. The Solar infamously shared a apply courtroom with a two-year-old’s birthday celebration a day earlier than they performed the Indiana Fever in a playoff sport. Connecticut was the definition of a small-market franchise with its lack of excessive spending and incapacity to maintain up with the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty. The Solar overachieved because of nice teaching and Corridor of Fame gamers like Thomas and Bonner main the group.
Possession didn’t do sufficient to assist the group, and gamers used motion to voice their displeasure. The brand new Unequalled league modified the sport when it comes to giving gamers entry to high quality services and trainers. Because the WNBA continues to broaden, the prevailing franchises should sustain or be left behind.
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That being mentioned, these reported strikes wanted to occur. As talked about, the Solar overachieved and surpassed expectations for a number of years. Connecticut performed stingy protection and its offense performed properly within the common season however lacked firepower within the postseason. The Solar comfortably have been a Tier 2 group within the WNBA and felt like they reached their peak.
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese modified the league’s type of play, and it seems like a pattern with Paige Bueckers and a proficient 2025 draft class additionally projected to make their marks on the WNBA.
Connecticut wanted to alter its id and hopes new head coach Rachid Meziane can do this. However creating that change will contain rising pains beginning with parting methods with core items. The Solar may not be executed as they have to resolve what to do with Natasha Cloud. It could behoove them to commerce the veteran to amass extra property.
Possession additionally must look within the mirror and resolve if it’s able to compete in a newly expanded and rising WNBA. The Boston Celtics are on the market, and it might be in everybody’s greatest curiosity for an possession group to manage an NBA and WNBA franchise. A transfer away from Connecticut would add to the franchise’s new id and an accumulation of property may assist it land a excessive sufficient draft decide to take JuJu Watkins when she enters the league.
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A “Boston Solar” group with Watkins because the centerpiece star would assist rejuvenate the franchise. However the vital steps must be taken earlier than that fantasy can change into a actuality.
