Last season, the overhaul of the Atlanta Dream was more successful than could have been imagined. Not only did new general manager Dan Padover trade up for the No. 1 pick to select Rhyne Howard, who immediately emerged as a budding superstar, but he also made an excellent head coaching hire, with Tanisha Wright instilling a culture of accountability and inspiring evident buy-in from up and down the roster.
The Dream entered the 2023 free agency period with $942,916 in cap space, the third-largest amount in the league.
Padover, Wright and company thus have options. They are able to consider several different paths in preparation for the 2023 WNBA season. Will Atlanta aim to take a substantial step forward, bringing in proven, win-now players in hopes of securing the franchise’s first playoff berth since 2018? Or, will the organization opt for a slower build toward playoff contention, surrounding Howard with a younger roster?
By the numbers*
Free agent (type) (2022 salary)
- Tiffany Hayes (suspended/contract expired) ($215,000)
- Erica Wheeler (unrestricted) ($185,400)
- Monique Billings (unrestricted) ($140,000)
- Nia Coffey (unrestricted) ($130,000)
- AD (reserved) ($68,260)
- Beatrice Mompremier (reserved) ($60,471)
Total average salary of free agents: $799,131
Total team…
