Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca has three positions to focus on in free agency: point guard, shooting guard and small forward.
The Sky will have just over $900,000 in salary-cap space, according to HerHoopStats.com to make something happen.
From Saturday to Jan. 20, Pagliocca and the rest of the league’s GMs can extend qualifying offers to restricted free agents and put core tags on unrestricted free agents. Pagliocca won’t have a reason to use the core tag.
The qualifying offers give teams negotiating power over that player. If an offer is not extended, that player becomes an unrestricted free agent with the freedom to negotiate with any team.
The Sky have three restricted free agents: guards Dana Evans and Chennedy Carter and forward Michaela Onyenwere. Expect Pagliocca to extend offers to Evans and Onyenwere, while Carter will be free to test the market.
The Sky’s unrestricted free agents — Diamond DeShields, Isabelle Harrison and Brianna Turner — are all expected to sign elsewhere.
Last year, the Sky tapped Lindsay Allen to lead the offense 13 games into the season after Evans began the year in that role. In 2025, Pagliocca could look to add a familiar star point guard in former Sky Courtney Vandersloot.
The Sky drafted Vandersloot third overall in 2011. She was the key to them securing their first title in 2021. Her potential return will hinge upon Pagliocca’s ability over the next few weeks to turn the Sky into a competitive team. Landing a star two-guard is a good place to start.
Two-time WNBA champion, Olympic gold medalist and six-time All-Star Jewell Loyd is one option for the Sky. But landing Loyd will require Pagliocca to part with the team’s No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming draft.
Another option, although a long shot, is getting Aces guard Kelsey Plum in a sign-and-trade, which also would require Pagliocca to part with draft picks.
The Sky’s assets include a pick swap with the Sun in 2026. That could end up translating into a lottery pick if the Sun are unable to re-sign their core of Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and Brionna Jones.
Parting with the No. 3 pick could be the key to the Sky being competitive enough to attract some of the league’s top free agents in 2026.
When it comes to small forward, the Sky can shoot big by going after an unrestricted free agent such as Bonner. Other free-agent options could include Alysha Clark or Aerial Powers.
Pagliocca, though, might have better luck in the trade market. The Sparks’ Rae Burrell and the Storm’s Jordon Horston are two small forwards with upside.
Both are young, but if Pagliocca can land veterans to fill the starting point-guard and shooting-guard spots, developing one of those players could serve the Sky in the long term, especially considering Tyler Marsh’s background in player development.
Re-signing Onyenwere will be a priority for Pagliocca. She would give the Sky at least one solid option at small forward.
Sky’s roster heading into free agency:
Under contract
Moriah Jefferson, point guard
Elizabeth Williams, center
Rachel Banham, shooting guard
Lindsay Allen, point guard
Kamilla Cardoso, center
Angel Reese, forward
Free agents
Diamond DeShields, unrestricted
Isabelle Harrison, unrestricted
Brianna Turner, unrestricted
Chennedy Carter, unrestricted
Dana Evans, restricted
Michaela Onyenwere, restricted
