Sabrina Ionescu’s Unusual Offseason Sparks Big Expectations

Victor Wembanyama is currently scoring 24.8 points, grabbing 11.5 rebounds, and blocking 3.1 shots per game, which is the most in the league. He is also shooting 51.0% from the field.

This has sparked conversations about whether a rejuvenated Ionescu can win the MVP title this season with the New York Liberty.

The No. 1 pick in the 2020 draft out of Oregon, Ionescu has spent her entire WNBA career with the Liberty. She’s been named an All-Star in each of the past four seasons and helped New York to the WNBA Finals in two of the past three seasons, winning it all in 2024.

Ionescu has remained one of the best players in the league since then and has rarely ever dropped her game. She averaged 8.2 points on 40.1 per cent shooting, but a career-low 22.2 per cent from beyond the arc.

However, the competition for the MVP award will be tougher this season.

Caitlin Clark is back in action after a season-ending injury took her out last season. The face of the WNBA can easily clutch all major honours next season should she remain fit.

Meanwhile, current MVP and WNBA champion A’ja Wilson will also be a top contender.

Other notable frontrunners include Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, and Breanna Stewart. Even upcoming rookies like Azzi Fudd and Lauren Betts could make things interesting in the MVP ladder.

Although Ionescu, 28, can go toe-to-toe with the best players solely on her experience. Liberty knows that, as they have officially designated her a core player on Tuesday.

Sabrina Ionescu Off the Market after Core Designation by Liberty

With the core designation, New York officially takes one of the biggest free agents off the market, as the Liberty now have exclusive negotiating rights with Ionescu.

The 28-year-old is also eligible for the $1.4 million supermax contract, though the two sides can negotiate down from that.

Ionescu has confirmed since the end of last season that she intends to stay with the Liberty.

She restated that claim last week at USA Basketball training camp in Phoenix, saying, “I’m where I’m supposed to be.”

“Never thought anything different,” Ionescu continued. “So excited to kind of be able to sign and get started, and it’s coming up really quickly.”

While the official negotiating period opens, WNBA teams can’t start signing players until Saturday.

Liberty’s decision was an obvious one, as Ionescu can benefit from not changing her environment and focus on winning her first MVP regular-season award next season.

Do you think Sabrina Ionescu has what it takes to win the MVP award? Comment down your thoughts below!