By Tiffany Williams –
As WNBA teams gear up for the 2025 season, a flurry of roster moves has created significant buzz across the league, particularly in the last few weeks.
The reigning WNBA Champion, the New York Liberty, has made a key move by re-signing guard/forward Kennedy Burke.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome back Kennedy Burke,” said Liberty General Manager Jonathan Kolb. “KB is a vital piece to our roster and culture alike – and building off her success in 2024 – she’s poised to take on a larger role this year and further showcase her versatility.”
Burke, who was an integral part of the 2024 Championship team, is set to embark on her sixth season in the WNBA and her second with New York. During her debut season with the Liberty, she showcased her potential by participating in 38 regular-season games, making three starts. Burke averaged 3.4 points and 1.5 rebounds per game, shooting an impressive 40.9% from the field with a total of 54 successful shots out of 132 attempts. Her continued development promises to bolster the Liberty’s roster as they aim for another title run.
In a major move, the Atlanta Dream have signed three standout players: Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, Brionna Jones, and Brittney Griner.
Walker-Kimbrough, drafted sixth overall by the Washington Mystics in 2017, quickly made her mark as an All-Rookie Team selection and played a pivotal role in the Mystics’ 2019 championship victory. Coming off the most productive season of her career, she averaged a career-high 7.5 points, along with 1.9 assists and 1.7 rebounds per game. Her relentless defensive pressure and ability to elevate her team’s performance in crucial moments earned her third place in Sixth Player of the Year voting. Notably, she led all WNBA reserves with a total of 284 points scored while also ranking first among bench players in steals with 40.
“Shatori is the kind of player every coach loves to have—someone who plays with toughness, passion, and a team-first mindset,” said Head Coach Karl Smesko. “She makes an impact in so many ways, whether it’s her scoring, defense, or leadership. I’m looking forward to coaching her and seeing how she helps us grow as a team.”
Brionna Jones adds a wealth of experience and versatility to the Dream’s lineup. Selected eighth overall in the 2017 WNBA Draft by the Connecticut Sun, Jones has transformed into one of the league’s premier frontcourt talents. A three-time All-Star (2021, 2022, 2024), she has received numerous accolades, including the WNBA Most Improved Player award in 2021 and the WNBA Sixth Player of the Year title in 2022. In addition, she was named to the 2021 WNBA All-Defensive Second Team. Over her career, Jones has averaged 10.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while maintaining a remarkable shooting efficiency of 56% from the field.
“Brionna is one of the most consistent and dominant players in the world,” said Dream General Manager Dan Padover. “She’s widely regarded as a phenomenal teammate and is a perfect fit with our core nucleus, both now and into the future. Her ability to impact the game in multiple ways, combined with her winning experience, will be invaluable as we continue building a championship-caliber team.”
Brittney Griner, standing at 6’9”, is a transformative presence on the court and was the No. 1 overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2013 WNBA Draft. Over her illustrious 11-year career, she has redefined the center position, boasting career averages of 17.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. Griner ranks 18th all-time in points scored and holds the third spot in total blocks, with an impressive 812 to her name. A two-time WNBA scoring champion, her dominance on both offense and defense has earned her six All-WNBA Team selections, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of the league.
“Atlanta felt like home the moment I started thinking about this next chapter,” said Griner. “What led me here was the team, the players, and most importantly, my family. I’m excited to be part of this city, to connect with the community, and help elevate this team into championship contention.”
“Brittney is the perfect fit for this team, this organization and this city,” said General Manager Dan Padover. “She brings Hall of Fame talent, championship presence and leadership to our organization. This is a monumental moment for our franchise.”
In Connecticut, significant changes are occurring as the Sun have made numerous additions to their roster almost daily. However, the decision to part ways with key core players such as DiJonai Carrington, Brionna Jones, Ty Harris, and DeWanna Bonner raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
While concerns mounted regarding the dismantling of what seemed to be a potential championship team, the Sun have signed several notable players, including veteran Tina Charles, playmaker Natasha Cloud, sharpshooter Rebecca Allen, emerging talents Jacy Sheldon and Diamond DeShields, along with Nikolina Milić, Lindsay Allen, Leïla Lacan, and Kariata Diaby.
Jacy Sheldon joins the Sun after completing her rookie season with the Dallas Wings. The 5-foot-10 point guard made a notable impact as the fifth overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, contributing averages of 5.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists across 40 regular-season games, including 26 starts. Her standout performance came on July 5, when she scored a career-high 17 points in a thrilling 85-82 victory over the Atlanta Dream. Before her WNBA career, Sheldon was celebrated at Ohio State University, where she achieved numerous accolades, including First-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2022 and 2024, as well as being named an Associated Press Third-Team All-American in 2024.
Natasha Cloud brings her talents to the Sun after a remarkable 2024 season with the Mercury, where she showcased her skills and leadership. The 5-foot-10 point guard averaged impressive statistics, including 11.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.9 assists (ranking third in the league), and 1.4 steals per game. Her 263 assists set a new single-season record for the Mercury. An accomplished defender, Cloud was named to the WNBA All-Defensive Second Team for the second time in her career in 2024, adding to her First Team honors from 2022. Prior to her time in Phoenix, Cloud had an illustrious eight-year career with the Washington Mystics, where she played a pivotal role in helping the franchise secure its first WNBA title in 2019.
Charles is making a notable return to Connecticut after completing the 2024 season with the Atlanta Dream. The 6-foot-4 veteran center played a crucial role for the Dream, appearing in and starting all 39 regular-season games. She averaged an impressive 14.9 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, ranking her fourth in the WNBA for rebounding. The 2024 season was particularly historic for Charles; she became the all-time leading rebounder in WNBA history, surpassing the 4,000-rebound milestone, and moved into second place all-time in scoring with a total of 7,698 points. Throughout the Dream’s regular season, she demonstrated consistent scoring prowess, finishing in double figures in 34 games and achieving 21 double-doubles, the third most in the league that season and a new franchise record for Atlanta. Additionally, she set a new franchise record for rebounds in a single season with a remarkable total of 374.
“Today marks an incredible moment in our team’s history as we welcome back one of the greatest players to every grace the WNBA,” remarked Sun General Manager Morgan Tuck. “Tina not only helped define the success of this franchise during her early years, but she also set the bar for excellence, both on and off the court. Her passion, leadership, and dedication to the game have left an incredible mark on our league, and we couldn’t be more excited to have her return to the team where it all began. This is a full-circle moment that strengthens our foundation and inspires the next generation of players and fans alike. We are extremely excited for this next chapter of Connecticut Sun history with Tina back in a Sun uniform.”
Charles was originally drafted as the No. 1 overall pick by the Sun in the 2010 WNBA Draft, and over her illustrious 13-year professional career, she has built an impressive resume that includes stints with several notable teams: the New York Liberty (2014-2019), Washington Mystics (2021), Phoenix Mercury (2022), and Seattle Storm (2022). Her accolades are numerous; she was named WNBA MVP in 2012 and took home the WNBA Rookie of the Year award in her debut season in 2010. She has been recognized on various All-WNBA teams, making the First Team in 2011, 2012, and from 2015-2017, while securing a spot on the Second Team in 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2021. Additionally, she earned numerous defensive honors, including selections to the All-Defensive First Team in 2017 and the All-Defensive Second Team in 2011, 2012, and 2015. Charles also holds the distinction of leading the WNBA in rebounding for four seasons (2010-2012, 2016) and in scoring for two seasons (2016, 2021).
Beyond her success in the WNBA, Charles has made a significant impact on the international stage, playing professionally in several countries, including Turkey, Poland, and China. Currently, she competes for the Turkish club Fenerbahce, where she played a pivotal role in leading the team to its first-ever FIBA Europe SuperCup Championship in 2024. Charles has represented the United States on the international scene since 2010, contributing to the US Women’s National Team’s successes as a three-time Olympic gold medalist (2012, 2016, 2020) and three-time FIBA World Cup gold medalist (2010, 2014, 2018). Her collegiate career at the University of Connecticut was equally impressive; she won two NCAA National Championships, set the program record for rebounds with 1,367, and received numerous accolades, including AP Player of the Year, the John R. Wooden Award, the Naismith College Player of the Year, Big East Player of the Year, and AP First Team All-American honors.
DeShields, a dynamic player known for her offensive capabilities, joins the Sun after a season with the Chicago Sky in 2024. She was initially selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft by the Sky and has demonstrated her versatility throughout her career, returning to Chicago after a stint with the Phoenix Mercury in 2022. Over her six-season career, which includes 175 games in the WNBA, DeShields has established herself as a reliable contributor, averaging 11.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. Notably, she played a crucial role in leading the Sky to their first WNBA Championship in 2021 and has received several accolades, including WNBA All-Rookie Team honors (2018), All-WNBA Second Team recognition (2019), and a WNBA All-Star selection (2019).
A native of Norcross, Georgia, DeShields started her collegiate journey at the University of North Carolina, where she played one season before transferring to the University of Tennessee. During her time in college, she garnered an impressive array of accolades, including First Team All-SEC (2017), First Team All-ACC (2014), and both USBWA National Freshman of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year honors in 2014. In addition to her WNBA career, DeShields has found success playing overseas in countries such as Turkey, where she suited up for CBK Mersin, and Italy, with Berretta Famila Schio.
Hollingshed, a promising talent, was selected 8th overall in the 2022 WNBA Draft out of the University of Colorado by the Las Vegas Aces. Despite appearing in only one preseason contest before being waived, she continued to pursue her professional career, participating in training camp with the Phoenix Mercury prior to the 2024 season. Her collegiate performance was notable, as she earned All Pac-12 honors in both 2021 and 2022. Currently, the 6-3 forward is playing overseas with the Turkish club Bodrum, where she’s making a significant impact, averaging 16.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.
Parks comes to the Sun after completing her debut WNBA season with the Chicago Sky in 2023. Standing at 6-1, she signed with Chicago as a free agent and made her mark by participating in 37 games, where she averaged 3.9 points and 1.6 rebounds per contest. Although Parks went undrafted following her time at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in 2014, she has carved out a successful career overseas. She is currently playing with the Turkish club Emlak Konut, where her performance includes impressive averages of 14.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.
Allen joins the Sun after an active 2024 season with the Chicago Sky, where the 5-8 guard showcased her skills in all 40 regular-season games, starting in 28 of those and contributing averages of 6.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Originally drafted 14th overall in the 2017 WNBA Draft by the New York Liberty, Allen has had a varied career, spending time with teams such as the Las Vegas Aces, Indiana Fever, and Minnesota Lynx over her seven seasons in the league. Complementing her WNBA journey, Allen has also found success overseas, playing in several countries, including Australia, Poland, and Turkey, where she is currently with Botąs SK, averaging 15.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game.
Nikolina Milić, who was signed as a free agent by the Minnesota Lynx during the 2022 regular season, played two seasons with the Lynx before being traded to the Chicago Sky in April 2024. Throughout her 70 career games with Minnesota, she averaged 5.9 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. Currently, the 6-3 forward is competing with Turkish club Fenerbahce, where she is producing solid averages of 12.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per contest in Turkish League competition.
As of now, it appears that the roster shakeup may have settled, but all eyes will be on the upcoming WNBA Draft, where the Sun, Liberty, Mystics, and Dream will have the chance to bolster their lineups further with new talent.
Sports Insider Daily 