Liberty may not be able to offer Courtney Vandersloot what she needs in WNBA free agency

Courtney Vandersloot’s time with the Liberty is coming to an end. At least that’s what it sounded like Tuesday during her first Unrivaled media availability. At 35 and with more than a decade of WNBA experience, Vandersloot knows what she wants during this free agency period.And with how her situation in New York soured at the end of last season, that might rule out a possible return to the Liberty. “I want to be valued,” Vandersloot said when asked what she was prioritizing for herself in free agency.“I want to be competitive obviously that’s why you come into this league you want to be competing for championships.

And a place that takes care of me, wants me to be there and … sees what I can bring to the team that’s most important.I want to have the ball in my hands and be able to create the way that I can.

And just be in a place that is comfortable for me and my family.” Vandersloot also said she isn’t committed to rejoining New York for a third season. “I’m going to go through free agency and see the best situation for me and my family,” Vandersloot said.“Obviously New York is where I was currently [and I] feel like I’m part of the New York Liberty and coming off a championship.

But I’m gonna go through free agency and just see what’s best for me.” Vandersloot didn’t have to come out and say it point-blank.But in reading the tea leaves, the Liberty should be bracing for next season without Vandersloot. It shouldn’t come entirely as a surprise given how last season ended. After starting in her first 80 games with the Liberty over the past two seasons, including all 31 of the regular-season games she appeared in last season, Vandersloot was moved to a reduced role during the 2024 playoffs. Coach Sandy Brondello made a surprise tweak to her starting lineup in the playoffs, sending pass-first guard Vandersloot, a 14-year veteran, to the bench in favor of rookie guard Leonie Fiebich. At the time, Vandersloot was to...