Breanna Stewart makes the New York Liberty an instant contender

WNBA free agency got truly underway with a bang as star forward Breanna Stewart signed with the New York Liberty on Wednesday. 

Breanna Stewart signing with the New York Liberty isn’t the only news in the W. Candace Parker announced that she would be signing with the Las Vegas Aces.

In addition to Parker, Alysha Clark signed with the Aces as well after playing one season in Washington. All three players will help their new franchises in major ways as the WNBA prepares for the 2023 season.

Breanna Stewart will be a huge addition for the Liberty, who recently landed Jonquel Jones in a trade. Stewart finished the 2022 season averaging 21.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists while shooting 37.9 percent from three.

The Seattle Storm finished the 2022 season with a 22-14 record and were bounced in the semi-finals by the Aces.

Stewie played her first six seasons with the Storm and was arguably the best player on the team. Clearly, Sue Bird was the face of the franchise but as she continued to age, she passed the baton to Stewart.

At the end of the 2022 season, Bird announced that she will retire. Prior to the 2022 season, Stewart signed a one-year deal which may have raised some questions — and rightfully so given this outcome.

Breanna Stewart signs with New York Liberty: How she’ll help New York

Stewart will help New York out on both sides of the ball. She can create matchup nightmares for all defenders on the floor. The Liberty’s newest star can score from all three phases of the floor. She can post bigger or smaller defenders up, she can shoot from three, and she can get to the rim at will. As the UConn product continues to develop, she has improved her defensive game. She can guard positions one through five in situational defensives.

Barclays Arena in New York will be a crowded in 2023 because of their new additions. Stewart and Jones will be able to play off of Sabrina Ionescu, a massive collection of talent in New York.

Ionescu will be able to get the ball to both former MVPs in early fashion. Both Stewart and Jones can impact the game without having the ball in their hands at all times.

Free agency is open and players can begin to officially sign contracts as of Wednesday, so there could be more moves on the horizon for the Liberty.