5 notable free agents that WNBA teams need to consider signing

Three weeks into free agency, there has been plenty of movement and there is still time for teams to acquire a player to help push their franchise forward.

Some teams were an inch away from securing an instrumental piece from another team, but failed due to the other team matching the offer sheet. Plus, Maya Moore announced that she is opting to sit out for the 2019 season and Liz Cambage’s trade request could change the fortune of the team that possibly acquires her.

Although a few key names such as Cheyenne Parker, Courtney Vandersloot, Natasha Cloud, Briann January and Odyssey Sims are no longer on the market, there are still a few notable unsigned free agents remaining.

Here are five free agents that teams need to consider signing for the 2019 season:

1. Rebekkah Brunson

Brunson is a five-time WNBA champion and future Hall of Famer. Last season, her dreams of capturing her sixth title were ended in the first round as the Minnesota Lynx fell to the Los Angeles Sparks.

At the age of 37, Brunson still has plenty of gas left in the tank and can help any contending team by providing a solid presence as a backup in the frontcourt. In addition to her current skill set, Brunson can help develop any young talent on the roster. But after the news that Maya Moore will be sitting out the 2019 season, the Lynx may switch their approach to free agency, causing Brunson not to be a priority.

The Georgetown product finished last season averaging 7.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. Brunson does a good job of dominating the glass and running the lanes on the break and will provide solid minutes to any team.

2. Marissa Coleman

Over the last several seasons, Coleman’s points per game average has declined, but the 2009 draft pick still has plenty to prove.

Coleman can still complement any team, whether she is coming off the bench or in the starting lineup. Over her career, Coleman has demonstrated that she can rebound at a high level, help on the defensive side of the ball and help space the floor.

Last season, the Maryland product struggled a bit on the offensive side due to a nagging ankle injury. At the end of the 2018 season, Coleman averaged 4.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1 assist per game while shooting 27.9 percent from three.

Of course, her stat line from last season may not jump out, but the New York Liberty also struggled last season. Last season was Coleman’s first with New York, and it takes time to adjust to a new team.

Any team that signs Coleman will receive a dedicated veteran who is durable. Outside of her missing 13 games last season, she has not missed more than two games in a season since her rookie year.

Signing the 6-foot-1 guard will provide any team with a leader, depth and a player looking to prove herself. Coleman can score in a variety of ways, whether with her back to the basket, off the dribble or by moving without the basketball.

3. Monique Currie

Last season, Currie and the Washington Mystics found themselves with a chance to win a WNBA title before being swept by the Seattle Storm in the Finals.

Currie is still on the free agency board and can benefit any team in need of a veteran who can help mold and develop young talent, not to mention she can still create her shot, play significant minutes if needed and impact the boards. Her strong midrange game is hard to guard for just about anyone.

The forward can add to any contending team or a team that is up and coming. Last season Currie averaged 6.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and shot 83.1 percent from the free throw line.

4. Brittany Boyd

Boyd, another interesting name to watch as free agency continues, bounced back last season after only playing two games in the 2017 season due to an Achilles injury.

Last season, Boyd averaged 20.4 minutes per contest out of 30 appearances on the season. She averaged 6.4 points, 5.3 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game.

Returning from her Achilles injury, the Liberty guard looked in shape, explosive and nimble. In some ways, it should be a no-brainer for New York to re-sign Boyd.

However, New York may have already shown that they are looking to go in another direction, considering they attempted to sign Natasha Cloud. After striking out on Cloud, the Liberty signed Rebecca Allen, Amanda Zahui B, Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe and Kelly Faris.

Boyd still has a quick first step with the ball and can play the passing lanes and get to the basket when needed.

5. Chelsea Gray

Out of the other four names on this list, Chelsea Gray may be the least likely to suit up for another team, considering her history and contributions for the Los Angeles Sparks. Gray has made a name for herself with her signature step back and dream-crushing three-pointers.

Since the opening of free agency, the Sparks have been pretty busy. So far, the team has signed Karlie Samuelson, Odyssey Sims, Ashley Walker, Alana Beard, Tierra Ruffin-Pratt and Alina Iagupova.

The Sparks will probably retain Gray, but any team that is in need of a franchise guard or a big-time player should make an offer to force the Sparks to make a hard decision.

In 2018, Gray averaged 14.9 points, 5.1 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 39.2 percent from three. Gray is a dynamic playmaker who makes her teammates better.