Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu confirm New York Liberty returns
WNBA superstars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu have confirmed they will re-sign with the New York Liberty in the upcoming free agency period.
Stewart announced her decision to remain in New York during a recent episode of her own podcast.
The two-time WNBA Most Valuable Player insisted she will not take meetings with rival teams despite being an unrestricted free agent.
“I’m going to be back in New York and that’s all there is to it,” she stated.
Ionescu commits to Liberty core
Ionescu revealed her own intention to stay during a USA Basketball training camp on Wednesday.
The 2020 number one overall draft pick expressed her excitement to finalise a new deal quickly ahead of the upcoming season.
“Obviously I’m where I’m supposed to be,” the four-time All-Star told reporters.
She believes the franchise is in a strong position to challenge for titles under newly appointed head coach Chris DeMarco.
“We have our core coming back and continuing to add new pieces is going to be really exciting,” she added.
Navigating a new financial landscape
Stewart recently completed her third campaign on the East Coast after beginning her decorated career with the Seattle Storm.
The prominent forward bravely played through a sprained MCL during the recent WNBA playoffs.
She has since recovered to win the inaugural Unrivaled 3-on-3 league title alongside business partner Napheesa Collier.
Both Stewart and Ionescu are expected to benefit from massive salary increases included in the newly agreed WNBA collective bargaining agreement.
New York executives must now look to secure other key free agents, including 2023 arrival Jonquel Jones and veteran guard Natasha Cloud.