Guard Kia Nurse, one of the Chicago Sky's newest additions, went over her thoughts on this year's free agency period in a recent interview with The Valkyries Blog's Stephanie Kaloi.
"I ultimately think this free agency had so much more movement than I thought there would be," Nurse said, via Kaloi. "I think we all knew that there would be a few core trade situations, but it just kept going. Every day, there's a new notification on Instagram.
"I'm really excited about the parity in the league, the differences in these teams and seeing how that moves. Understanding there's one year before we have a new CBA. Everyone's signing a 1-year (contract). If we thought this year was crazy, next year is going to be crazier."
This year's offseason saw a few major names change places and shake up a long-set WNBA landscape through blockbuster trades and signings.
Center Brittney Griner, a former teammate of Nurse's on the Phoenix Mercury, took her talents to the Atlanta Dream after more than a decade of memorable seasons with Diana Taurasi and the Mercury. A Lincolnwood legend in guard Jewell Loyd hit the headlines with a notable trade that sent her to the Las Vegas Aces. The Aces' backcourt has been gutted by recent signings that saw guards Sydney Colson and Tiffany Hayes move to new homes before a crucial year in the league's history.
Nurse, who is suiting up at Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball, will have plenty to look forward to as she works with a new teammate in the offseason league. She shined in her Athletes Unlimited debut for Team Westbrook, where she dropped a team-leading 23 points and was named one of the game's MVPs as her squad defeated Team Bell in a 114-72 victory.
"I'm excited about my new opportunity in Chicago," she said. "I've got some new friends. I've got (Sky center) Elizabeth Williams at AU, so I get to be here and hang out with her."
Williams, a notable leader for Chicago on and off the court, is taking to Nashville as a member of Team Westbrook from February to early March. The 1-time All-Star signed a 1-year contract extension with the Sky in September. She can again be a reliable option alongside two budding stars in forward Angel Reese and center Kamilla Cardoso in the frontcourt.
The combination of youthful and experienced talent, Nurse added, was a strength of the rising Sky squad. Chicago will have the chance to continue strengthening its young foundation with four draft picks, including two in the first round, in this year's WNBA Draft. Nurse played alongside a new addition in guard Rebecca Allen when she was with the New York Liberty in her first few WNBA seasons. She won two NCAA championships with Sky guard Moriah Jefferson as a member of the UConn Huskies.
"I've always enjoyed being around really good people," Nurse said. "I know quite a few of the vets that are already there. I've heard great things about the young players, as well. (Head coach Tyler Marsh) coming in with the new coaching staff is going to b something that's really special, too.
"I've always played against the Sky. It's gets rocking in that arena, the fans are incredible. I'm glad to be on the side where the cheers are coming towards us."