Ok. Probably going to hear about this from the moderators but in this tough time, I will do it one last time.
Connecticut Sun
What’s old?
A pair of Thomases and a Jones. Jasmine Thomas, Alyssa Thomas and Jonquel Jones were three key players in Connecticut’s run to the Finals last season, starting all 34 games. And they’re back, along with bench players Natisha Hiedeman and Bria Holmes, on a team that also has a number of new faces.
What’s new?
A big-time free agent. The Sun won the DeWanna Bonner sweepstakes, signing the three-time All-Star as well as her former Mercury teammate Briann January. They also added forward Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis and guards Jacki Gemelos and Jazmon Gwathmey to bolster their depth. Connecticut used their second- and third-round draft picks on Maryland shooting guard Kaila Charles and Baylor point guard Juicy Landrum.
Starters
DeWanna Bonner F/G
Alyssa Thomas F
Jasmine Thomas G
Jonquel Jones F/C
Briann January G
The Sun thrived last season on fast breaks from turnovers and defensive rebounds as well as shots from beyond the arc (they were second in the league with 254 3-pointers made). This starting five can maintain that speed and be even more dangerous from 3 with January and Bonner in the lineup.
Bench
Jacki Gemelos G
Natisha Hiedeman G
Bria Holmes G
Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis F
Kaila Charles G/F
Brionna Jones F
Theresa Plaisance F
Gemelos is my surprise choice to make the final cut. After coming back from five — yes, five — ACL injuries over the course of her career since college, she’s never had a real shot at the WNBA. This could be it. Gemelos averaged 16 points per game with Olympiacos in Greece this past season and she has the skill to make the Sun.
Cuts
Jazmon Gwathmey G
Megan Huff F
Juicy Landrum G
Total cap before cuts: $1,303,150
Total cap after cuts: $1,246,150
Washington Mystics
Editor’s Note: The previous version of this story indicated Tina Charles was making the maximum salary in 2020 ($215,000), according to Spotrac. Winsidr reported last month, however, that Charles signed a one-year, $175,000 deal with the Mystics following the trade with the Liberty to make the transaction possible.
What’s old?
A championship-caliber team. Aside from Toliver and Walker-Kimbrough, the Mystics didn’t lose much in the offseason. The key contributors — Ariel Powers, Natasha Cloud, Ariel Atkins, Tianna Hawkins and LaToya Sanders — remain, including MVP Elena Delle Donne and Finals MVP Emma Meesseman.
What’s new?
A centerpiece. Washington landed one of the biggest players in free agency, albeit late in the game, when it acquired Tina Charles from the Liberty in a three-team blockbuster. The 6-foot-4 center fortifies the Mystics’ already dominant frontcourt and provides health insurance for Delle Donne and Meesseman. Washington also found a replacement for Toliver, signing former Mercury guard Leilani Mitchell, last season’s Most Improved Player.
Starters
Natasha Cloud G
Leilani Mitchell G
Elena Delle Donne F/G
LaToya Sanders F/G
Tina Charles C
I can’t imagine Mitchell, who started 27 games and averaged 12 points per game for Phoenix last year, not starting in Washington. She has the ability to fill the hole Toliver left almost seamlessly. How quickly Delle Donne and Charles are able to build offensive chemistry will go a long way toward the Mystics’ success.
Bench
Ariel Atkins G
Tianna Hawkins F
Myisha Hines-Allen F
Emma Meesseman F
Aerial Powers F/G
Washington’s bench remains almost fully intact. I can’t see how two late-round picks (second-rounder Jaylyn Agnew and third-rounder Sug Sutton) make the roster when the Mystics’ bench already is as deep as it is. The issue is salary cap. With two players — Delle Donne and Meesseman — earning the maximum salary ($215,000) and Charles $175,000, the Mystics are tight on cap space.
Cuts
Jaylyn Agnew F
Sug Sutton G
Kiara Leslie G
Total cap before cuts: $1,405,150
Total cap after cuts: $1,231,400