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On Monday, the Washington Mystics held a press conference with the media on WNBA free agency. We already discussed Alysha Clark in another piece, so this one will focus on what the Mystics are trying to do with their other free agents and/or players whose contracts expired.
So, let’s get to them now!
Don’t expect Emma Meesseman to come back or sign until after Belgium’s international commitments are over
We gave you the warning numerous times throughout the offseason including last month, but Thibault made it clear that re-signing Meesseman right now is not a priority. The main reason is because if they sign her now, it would hurt their cap space in such a way that her full cap hit affects the team, even if she is suspended for part of the season where she wouldn’t be paid the money.
If Meesseman returns, the ideal time to do so is after the Belgium women’s basketball team finishes its commitments. They will be in Women’s EuroBasket from June 17 to 27 in Spain and France, and then play in the Olympics from July 23 to Aug. 8. If the Olympics and/or EuroBasket are cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, both of which are possible, then we could see Meesseman return sooner. But for now, the Mystics won’t have her until the Belgian Cats finish their tournaments.
In any case, the Mystics are saving some of their remaining cap room and a spot for her. You can call Emma our “Green Ranger” now that I think about it!
Coach T On Meesseman: The Mystics are reluctant to sign her to a contract because of Belgium’s upcoming runs in Women’s EuroBasket and the Olympics this year.
— BF_Mystics (@BF_mystics) February 1, 2021
They will set aside $ to try to re-sign her after the Olympics. The “ball is in her court.”#TogetherDC @MysticsBe
Regardless, it’s important to note that Meesseman is an unrestricted free agent. While Thibault stated that she would like to return to Washington, she can be a “Green Ranger” for any team that’s looking for a playoff boost this summer.
So while the Mystics are likely her WNBA destination, we’ll still have to be on our toes as to whether she re-signs with the Mystics, another team or skips the WNBA entirely.
The Mystics hope to re-sign their remaining free agents this week
Besides the news on Powers, Clark and Meesseman, most of the Mystics’ free agents are expected to re-sign this week.
Coach T on other FA’s: They hope to get Cloud, Sanders signed this week.
— BF_Mystics (@BF_mystics) February 1, 2021
Unclear on Hawkins and what she does in FA.
Thibault stated that he intended to finish Tina Charles’ re-signing in 24-48 hours. He expected Natasha Cloud and LaToya Sanders to be signed later this week. But he is not sure whether Tianna Hawkins will re-sign.
Overall, the Mystics should still be in a good position to compete for the 2021 WNBA championship as long as they remain healthy. Let us know your reactions to the Mystics’ free agency period so far in the comments below.