Satou Sabally's 5 best free agency landing spots, including a New York Liberty reunion with her sister
Satou Sabally has played her last game in a Dallas Wings jersey.
The free agent confirmed to the media on Thursday that her days with the franchise are over. Despite a push from Dallas' front office, Sabally explained that she's looking forward to playing elsewhere. "I already communicated with Dallas about how grateful I am..." she told reporters.
Although it was assumed in league circles that Sabally would explore free agency options, Sabally's announcement significantly changes the WNBA free agency landscape. This begs the question: where could she reasonably land?
Here are five destinations that could make sense:
1. New York Liberty
Satou Sabally. Nyara Sabally. Sabrina Ionescu. It's an Oregon Duck party. QUACK. QUACK. QUACK.
Okay. In all seriousness, the chance to reunite with her sister Nyara *and* college teammate Sabrina might be too good to pass up. Satou already got a taste of what life in New York is like when she hung out with Nyara and Sab during the Liberty's championship run, and this screams, DO IT! But then, a little voice whispers, "How?" Well, that might be a little complicated.
The Liberty *techinically* have to re-sign Breanna Stewart *AND* afford a contract for Satou plus other free agents. Satou will likely want a contract comparable to the $195,000, one-year deal she signed with Dallas last season, if not more. But if the Liberty don't mind getting creative, this is a home run signing.
2. Indiana Fever
Fever fans have been theorizing about a Satou Sabally pairing with the franchise for months, practically manifesting this day to fruition. However, Indiana has a few things that could make this move interesting.
The team has made it clear that its top priority is keeping Kelsey Mitchell (also a free agent). If they keep Mitchell, the focus becomes what to do with NaLyssa Smith. Smith was in and out of the starting lineup last season but was productive on the court. However, if Smith's time in Indy is done, the team could trade her and insert Satou into that role.
The new starting lineup is Caitlin Clark, Lexie Hull, Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston, and Satou Sabally, creating one of the better starting five in the league. WHEW. Add in new head coach Stephanie White, and now the Fever could win a first-round playoff series and beyond.
3. Las Vegas Aces
Kelsey Plum may have played her last days in an Aces uniform.
I've repeatedly said that Plum's return to Las Vegas is not automatic. Head coach Becky Hammon noted that the roster couldn't look the same next season. That likely means a significant change is on the horizon, which brings me to the possibility that the Aces would have to slide someone into that spot.
If they move on from Plum, Satou Sabally is one heck of a replacement. Sabally replaces the production and helps Vegas add length. If the Aces want another championship, Satou could help them get it. A'ja Wilson, Satou Sabally, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray? WOO WEE.
4. Minnesota Lynx
The Lynx seem happy to keep their core and run it back for another chance at winning a WNBA championship. But what if they could lure Satou Sabally to Minnesota?
Inserting Satou into the starting lineup and moving Bridget Carleton or Alanna Smith to the bench might be worth the risk. She's an automatic boost of production, and when you move to the bench, you've got formidable options who would work well on both sides of the ball in her place.
Also, can you imagine the possibilities with Satou and Phee on the same court?! I'm already sweating now, thinking of teams trying to avoid being cooked by them. Guard your ankles.
5. Golden State Valkyries
Now, I know what you're thinking, but hear me out. If Satou Sabally wanted the chance to be the face of a franchise, Golden State is an option.
I know. I know. They already have their roster, BUT it's not set in stone. It could look different come opening day. The Valkyries have a young squad and leadership team, including coach Natalie Nakase, ready to work for a championship. It might not be on her radar now but never say never.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Satou Sabally's 5 best free agency landing spots, including a New York Liberty reunion with her sister