The New York Liberty are returning a key participant off their bench from this previous yr’s championship squad. After successful its first title in franchise historical past, New York was simply hit with the lack of start line guard Courtney Vandersloot. Thankfully, the franchise is bringing again the elite trio of Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu.
And people three usually are not the one gamers coming back from the 2024 squad. The Liberty simply introduced that ahead Kennedy Burke is returning. The previous UCLA standout was a part of New York’s nine-woman rotation and can look to be a key contributor in 2025.
The Liberty are attempting to begin a brand new dynasty within the WNBA
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New York received over an enormous hump in the course of the 2024 season. After shedding within the WNBA Finals to the Las Vegas Aces in 2023, the Liberty received their revenge over the two-time defending champs. Head coach Sandy Brondello’s group eradicated Las Vegas within the semifinals to ultimately face runner-up Minnesota.
Whereas Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart had been the headline stars for this squad for a lot of final yr, Jonquel Jones took the reigns within the Finals. The five-time All-Star was New York’s most constant participant and received her first WNBA Finals MVP within the course of. Now comes the laborious half. The Liberty enter 2025 because the hunted as a substitute of the hunter. And the first group searching for revenge might be vying for its third title in 4 years.
The Las Vegas Aces have undergone a number of modifications this offseason. The standout transfer, in fact, was the blockbuster commerce involving Jewel Loyd and Kelsey Plum. So far, the Liberty has not made any vital strikes except for shedding Courtney Vandersloot. Nevertheless, a lot of New York’s core is in its prime, which means that this roster is just not finished competing for championships anytime quickly.
Total, Kennedy Burke’s return is sweet information for this franchise after a historic season. At 6’1, Burke brings a defensive versatility that’s essential for this group in opposition to the highest abilities within the WNBA. The expectations for the Liberty heading into 2025 don’t change. It is title or bust. These are the requirements for a group with this type of roster, and the gamers and coaches in New York would not need it every other method.