*** Official 2025 ISU WBB in the WNBA Thread ***
- Thread starter mred
- Start date
Notes:
- 5 protected players per team
- Each expansion team is limited to drafting one player per existing team
- Each expansion team can draft one unrestricted free agent, even if the player can't be cored. Even if the player is not cored, the drafting team is the only team that can offer that player a supermax contract. The player can decline that supermax offer (if they aren't cored) but can't sign for more than a standard max contract elsewhere, if I understand this correctly.
Expansion draft is today at 2:30pm central on ESPN.
I still don't understand what any team gains from drafting Bridget. The only advantage to drafting an unrestricted free agent is that you are the only team that can offer them a supermax contract, but Bridget won't be getting that. So she'll be able to sign whatever offer from whatever team regardless of being drafted.
I could totally see an expansion team (Toronto in particular for obvious reasons) trying to sign her in free agency, but I don't see any benefit in drafting her.
I could totally see an expansion team (Toronto in particular for obvious reasons) trying to sign her in free agency, but I don't see any benefit in drafting her.
Toronto and Portland obviously have to gather as much talent as possible to start, meaning that they will need to overpay UFA is some cases. Drafting a UFA, which there are more this year than ever before, gives team inside track to keep player.
Blueprint is there from what Valkyries were able to do. Getting Veronica Burton was a huge win, help set that franchise as one with defensive toughness and one no one wanted to play.
I actually think Bridget won’t be available for the expansion draft. Lynx can protect 5, and Reeve will want all 5 starters back, there’s a reason they were starters. Bridget will be kept over Heideman, Shepard, and juhasz
Blueprint is there from what Valkyries were able to do. Getting Veronica Burton was a huge win, help set that franchise as one with defensive toughness and one no one wanted to play.
I actually think Bridget won’t be available for the expansion draft. Lynx can protect 5, and Reeve will want all 5 starters back, there’s a reason they were starters. Bridget will be kept over Heideman, Shepard, and juhasz
If an UFA is selected, expansion team can either core them (if eligible) or Supermax, but you’re right that it’s still a risk because they are not under contract. I think Portland and Toronto need to be risky though to acquire talent. Worst case, most likely case, they’re at the top of lottery next year
I'm still not sure what this means from a contract standpoint, but congrats to Bridget, and we'll see what this turns into.
Toronto had option to take first pick in expansion or higher pick in college draft. They opted for higher pick in college draft, therefore giving Portland first pick in expansion.
Can I downvote my earlier prediction that obviously didn’t happen!?! As a Lynx fan, sucks to lose Bridget. But happy for her. She can be a foundational piece for Portland. She will benefit if they can get skilled passing players as she can struggle if she’s expected to start the offense. Maybe that #7 pick can be spent on one of these great point guards this year.
From what I have read she could still end up on the Lynx as she is an UFA and could take a higher salary offer.
I read that if Portland is willing to designate BC as their "Core" player she has to sign there. If they would do that she would be entitled to a Supermax contract of $1.4 million for the season. I think she would then become a free agent the following year.
This is what I also read so if they do that that is a big win for one of my all time favorite players. PS I have a pair of red basketball shoes signed by her.
I think it might only be max and not supermax in her case, but it'd still be around a million dollars.
