WNBA Free Agency: Versatile center Azura Stevens to join LA Sparks

The Sky is falling in Chicago.

We knew this would be a crucial offseason for them, with four oftheir top five players hitting free agency. The worst case scenario— at least in terms of next season's record — is currently playingout. None of the four will suit up for the Sky next season.

In a shocking twist, Candace Parker has joined the Las Vegas Aces.Courtney Vandersloot, the franchise's greatest player and one ofthe best point guards the WNBA has ever seen, announced in a statement thatshe wouldn't be returning to the franchise; sharpshooter AllieQuigley, her wife, is reportedly sitting out the 2023season.

Most devastatingly, per multiple reports (both ESPN's Alexa Philippou andWinsidr's Rachel Galligantweeted out the news on Thursday at 10:28 am ET, so I have no ideawho technically reported it first), versatile center Azurá Stevenswill be joining the Los Angeles Sparks.

Stevens is coming off the healthiest campaign of her youngcareer, appearing in a career-high 35 games while averaging 10.6points (53.5% on twos, 36.2% on threes), 3.9 rebounds and 1.1blocks per contest in a primary bench role.

The upside for Stevens is immeasurable. She's the rare big(listed at 6-foot-6) with true spacing and handlingcapabilities. Her intersection of size and skill makes herdifficult to defend; the blend of length and mobility allows her tobe a factor in multiple defensive coverages.

With the acquisition of Stevens, the Sparks have added to one ofthe most versatile frontcourts in The W. They re-signed superstarforward Nneka Ogwumike, with her sister Chiney Ogwumike expected tobe back as well. We're not far removed from the Sparks trading for All-Star and formerSixth Woman of the Year Dearica Hamby.

With the Ogwumikes, Stevens and Hamby, the Sparks will be ableto tinker with all types of frontcourt pairings. Stevens has plentyof experience in two-big lineups, with her shooting prowess openingup the floor for whoever she's paired with. Hamby has played3-through-5, and the Ogwumikes have toggled between both frontcourtspots in their careers.

There's potential for some funky-but-effective three-big lineupshere. Considering what the New York Liberty have done thisoffseason — and even what Aces experimented with last regularseason — that could be a worthwhile investment.

It helps that the Sparks' new head coach, Curt Miller, has hisown experience with three-big alignments. He had no issue playinghis three star bigs — Alyssa Thomas, Brionna Jones and JonquelJones — together last season with the Connecticut Sun. That unitwas fruitful; per PBP Stats, they outscoredopponents by 70 points (plus-13.6 net rating) in 263 minutestogether.