WNBA free agency 2022 – Predictions and biggest storylines to watch

The start of this year’s WNBA free agency is almost here. Teams have until Friday to make decisions on utilizing their core designation — as the Connecticut Sun already did with reigning MVP Jonquel Jones — as well as make qualifying offers to potential restricted and reserved free agents.

Come Saturday, players and teams will be able to begin negotiating, allowing decisions to be made even if contracts can’t officially be signed until Feb. 1. We’ve already projected the top 20 free agents in terms of their 2022 value and looked at the cap room situations for all 12 teams ahead of free agency.

Now, before the action starts, it’s time to have some fun and make some predictions. We look at which teams might end up winners and which big names could be on the move over the next month to shake up the WNBA’s power structure.

Which team has the most at stake in free agency?

Kevin Pelton: Seattle Storm. The Storm can’t core both Jewell Loyd and Breanna Stewart, meaning one of the cornerstones of the team’s most recent two championships will be an unrestricted free agent. Losing either player would be a crushing blow to the Storm’s long-term future.

With Sue Bird’s return, however, re-signing in Seattle gives them the best chance at winning another title — particularly with the Storm’s flexibility. Because Seattle doesn’t have a single protected contract on the roster, the team could re-sign the big three then try to add a veteran like Tina Charles in pursuit of a championship. That’s a luxury other contenders, more strapped for cap space, can’t realistically have.

Mechelle Voepel: The…