Sky's free agency needs start and end in the backcourt

Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca has a very clear need to focus on in free agency this year, the summary of which is as easy as one, two, three.

No, the Jackson 5's 1970s chart-topping hit single wasn't written as a premonition for the Sky's 2025 WNBA free agency to-do list. But it does perfectly encapsulate where Pagliocca's focus should be, and that's on three positions: point guard, shooting guard and small forward. The Sky will have just over $900,000 in cap space, according to HerHoopStats.com, to make something happen.

Between Jan. 11 and the 20th, Pagliocca and the rest of the league's GMs can extend qualifying offers to restricted free agents and place core tags on the unrestricted. Pagliocca won't have any reason to use the core tag, but qualifying offers will go out. If an offer is not extended that player becomes an unrestricted free agent with the freedom to negotiate with any team.

Pagliocca has three restricted free agents he could send qualifying offers to: guards Dana Evans and Chennedy Carter and forward Michaela Onyenwere. Expect Pagliocca to extend those offers to Evans and Onyenwere, while Carter will be free to test the market as an unrestricted free agent.

The Sky's unrestricted free agents, Diamond DeShields, Isabelle Harrison and Brianna Turner are all expected to sign elsewhere in 2025.

Last year Lindsay Allen was tapped 13 games in to lead the Sky's offense after Evans started the season in that role. In 2025, Pagliocca could look to add a familiar star point guard in Courtney Vandersloot.

The Sky drafted Vandersloot with the third overall pick in 2011. She was the key to the Sky securing their first title in 2021. Her potential return in 2025 will hinge upon Pagliocca's ability to over the next few weeks turn the Sky into a competitive team. Landing a star two-guard is a good place to start.

Two-time WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist and six-time All-star Jewell Loyd is one option for the Sky. But landing Loyd will require Pagliocca 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 would also require Pagliocca to part with draft assets.

The Sky's lucrative draft assets include a pick swap with the Sun in 2026. This 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 this year could be the key to the Sky being competitive enough in 2025 to attract some of the league's top free agents in 2026.

When it comes to that small forward position, the Sky can shoot big by going after an unrestricted free agent like Bonner. Other free agent options could include Alysha Clark or Aerial Powers.

Where Pagliocca might have better luck is in the trade market. Sparks' Rae Burrell and the Storm's Jordon Houston are two small forwards with an upside. Both are young and inexperienced, but if Pagliocca can land veterans to fill the starting point guard and shooting guard positions, it could serve the Sky long-term to develop one of these two players especially when considering Tyler Marsh's player development background.

Re-signing Onyenwere will be a priority for Pagliocca which will 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, restricted
Dana Evans, restricted
Michaela Onyenwere, restricted