As the calendar turns to 2023, it’s time to start thinking about WNBA free agency. Later this month, players and teams can begin to negotiate contracts, which can be officially signed starting on Feb. 1.
Although this year’s class of free agents isn’t quite as top-heavy as last year’s, which featured the two most recent MVPs (Jonquel Jones and A’ja Wilson), it’s a star-studded group with six members of the WNBA25 list of the top 25 players in league history.
In particular, forward Breanna Stewart stands out as a former MVP in her prime who will likely be an unrestricted free agent for the second consecutive year. With teammate Sue Bird retired, could Stewart leave the Seattle Storm this time around?
Predictably, Stewart tops my projections for 2023 in terms of wins above replacement player (WARP), my player value metric based on player performance over the past three seasons and age.
Who else rounds out the top 15 WNBA players available in free agency this offseason? Let’s take a look.
(Note: Players are unrestricted free agents unless otherwise noted. Free agent classifications courtesy HerHoopStats.com.)
1. Breanna Stewart
Seattle Storm
Forward
Age as of Feb. 1: 28
Projected WARP: 5.7
After taking a meeting with the New York Liberty last offseason before returning to the Storm on a…
