WNBA Free Agency: 3 potential destinations for Nneka Ogwumike

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 17: Forward Nneka Ogwumike #30 of the Los Angeles Sparks looks on during the game against the Minnesota Lynx at Crypto.com Arena on May 17, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 11: Forward Dearica Hamby #5 of the Las Vegas Aces tries to retain control of the ball against forward Nneka Ogwumike #30 and guard Chennedy Carter #7 of the Los Angeles Sparks in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on June 11, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /

The Nneka Ogwumike WNBA free agency market is one of the richest around. As one of the league’s best forwards, she’s sure to help a team win.

Nneka Ogwumike is a member of the W25 and on her way to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. She’s spent her whole career with the Los Angeles Sparks yet is currently a free agent ahead of the 2023 WNBA season.

Her ability to score both in bunches and efficiently would suit any team, especially a contender looking to add a starting forward. Although she isn’t one of the league’s elite rebounders, she’s better than most and her competitive nature leads to timely rebounds in clutch situations.

Nneka’s experience and leadership manifest in both tangible and intangible ways and there is something about her aura that should have every WNBA team handing her a blank check.

Here are three WNBA free-agency destinations for Nneka Ogwumike

3. Las Vegas Aces

The Las Vegas Aces are coming off their championship and looking to reload. There’s no hiding that their forward depth is lacking. Compound this with the departure of Dearica Hamby and it only gets worse. The Aces would often go to a closing lineup that only featured one player who cracked 6-feet.

Although they found success with this, it looked extremely shaky, especially on the glass. Their defense also relied heavily on Chelsea Gray having to play well beyond her means and height to get stops. With the playoffs in every team’s film room, an offseason and a training camp to prepare, teams will find a way to combat the Aces’ height limitations.

Enter Nneka Ogwumike. Her addition to this team would be acupuncture; a needle relieving a knot. She would add another element offensively that Kelsey Plum, A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young and Gray could play off of and bring her experience and leadership for a seamless transition. Defensively she could play within her means and allow the guards to be guards. Add in Becky Hammon’s coaching for an even more solidified defensive fortress. Nneka’s 15th-best rebounding in the league would alleviate the Aces rebounding woes.

This is definitely a move Vegas should look to make.

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