"In an ordinary year, most of the major moves in WNBA free agency likely would be made by now, and there would be more certainty around team needs. But things have been far from ordinary this entire offseason as the WNBA and the players' association continue negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement. Because of that, most players not under rookie contracts are free agents, plus there are two expansion teams that don't have any players yet."
"What we do have now that we didn't then, though, is much of the season's data on which to judge the current college seniors who are eligible for the draft. (We are not including any potential draft-eligible juniors in this mock). The No. 1 pick in ESPN's WNBA mock draft remains the same: UConn guard Azzi Fudd, who could be on her way to joining former Huskies teammate Paige Bueckers, the 2025 Rookie of the Year, with the Dallas Wings."
"UConn is seeking the seventh perfect season in program history, and Fudd has much to do with why the 26-0 Huskies have been unbeatable so far. She is averaging 17.5 PPG and shooting 45.5% (76-of-167) from behind the arc. Fudd's ability to stretch defenses will be of great value in the WNBA, and she is also a reliable defensive player. Plus, the UConn pedigree goes a long way in a league that has seen so many outstanding former Huskies."
The WNBA offseason is unusually unsettled because CBA negotiations have left most non‑rookie players free agents and two expansion teams without rosters. Draft projections therefore lack full team context, increasing uncertainty for selections. Season data on college seniors informs evaluations, and Azzi Fudd remains projected as the No. 1 pick, noted for 17.5 PPG and 45.5% three‑point shooting while contributing defensively. March tournaments can alter draft stock. UConn's pursuit of a perfect season highlights Fudd's impact. The expanded player movement and pending collective bargaining agreement will shape final free agency and draft outcomes.
Read at ESPN.com
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