WNBA: Impact of Star Signings; Plum, Thomas, and More

The 2025 WNBA season has generated great anticipation, largely due to player activity during the offseason and a free agency period that has been one of the most exciting in league history.

A record four number one draft picks changed teams, including Kelsey Plum and Jewell Loyd, who were involved in the first trade in league history involving multiple number one picks. Plum, Loyd, Brittney Griner, and Alyssa Thomas are among the stars playing for new franchises for the first time in their careers, a reshuffling that has transformed the WNBA landscape.

Although there’s still a lot of basketball to be played, and with all teams having played between four and six games, it’s time to analyze how these strategic moves are working.

Best additions

Kelsey Plum, Los Angeles Sparks: Plum’s arrival in Los Angeles promised to revitalize the historic franchise. Although it hasn’t yet translated into wins, she has brought appeal back to the organization. Plum has been the dynamic guard the Sparks needed: her 25.2 points per game place her second in the league (with a 60.3% true shooting percentage), while her 151 points are the most in the first six games of a season in Sparks history. In addition, her average of 5.5 assists per game is the best of her career. According to Elias Sports Bureau, Plum has scored or assisted on 233 of the Sparks’ points, tied for the most points scored or assisted by a player in her first six games of a season. Although it’s difficult for a player to win MVP on a losing team, Plum has positioned herself in the early conversation.

Natasha Cloud, New York Liberty: After a trade announced in March, Cloud is already proving her worth. In her first game with the current champions, Cloud recorded 22 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds, and 5 steals and blocks against Las Vegas, and has continued to shine with her play and defense. Her ability to score, being the third-highest scorer for New York, reduces the pressure on other Liberty stars. Her tenacity and leadership make the team even more dangerous in their attempt to defend the title.

Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix Mercury: Thomas is excelling in Phoenix and in Nate Tibbetts’ system. Fresh off her second game with 15 assists (tying a franchise record), she is establishing herself as a reliable scorer, especially with Copper out of play. Her 15.2 points per game are the second-most on the team. Thomas’s fight and tenacity have translated to her new team, especially on defense, an aspect that Phoenix has relied on to win games.Satou Sabally, Phoenix Mercury: With a 4-1 record, the Mercury have their best start since 2014, the year they won their last WNBA title, and this is largely due to Sabally’s performance in her new city. She is currently sixth in the league in scoring, with 19.8 points per game, something the Mercury have needed, especially with Kahleah Copper out of action. Phoenix’s focus on spacing, 3-point shooting, and positionless basketball has benefited Sabally. Although her 3-point shooting percentage has dropped, she has room for improvement.Brionna Jones, Atlanta Dream: Jones surprised fans by signing with Atlanta, but has adapted well to Karl Smesko’s system, playing alongside Griner or as the sole center. Jones is one of five players in the league with a double-double and is recording what would be career highs in field goal attempts per game (11.0), rebounds (10.0), and assists (2.8). The Dream’s offense is much better when Jones is on the court. Jones shares the court with Griner, and both complement each other well so far, being fundamental to Atlanta’s aspirations.

Players to watch

Jewell Loyd, Las Vegas Aces: Despite expectations, Loyd hasn’t shown her best form, with 12.0 points per game and a 31.3% shooting efficiency. Coach Becky Hammon continues to trust Loyd, who will need to improve her production for the Aces to establish themselves as contenders. Her 3-point shooting percentage is 60%, double that of last year with the Storm.

DeWanna Bonner, Indiana Fever: Although her leadership has impressed, Bonner has yet to make a significant impact on the court, with a low average in points and field goals. Her role in Indiana is different from the one she had in Connecticut. Coach Stephanie White has said that Bonner is adapting to a faster system, and that both Bonner and her teammates are still getting to know each other.Courtney Vandersloot and Ariel Atkins, Chicago Sky: After overhauling their roster, the Sky have not met expectations and are one of the two winless teams. Vandersloot and Atkins have had a difficult start. For the Sky to recover, they will need more from their two veteran championship-experienced players.