Atlanta Makes Another Big Splash in Free Agency
The Atlanta Dream have made another major move in free agency, signing three-time All-Star Brionna Jones. This marks their second high-profile acquisition of the offseason after adding 10-time All-Star Brittney Griner. Jones, who previously played for the Connecticut Sun, joins the Dream’s frontcourt as they aim to build a championship contender.
Jones’ agent, Boris Lelchitski, confirmed the deal to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou on Thursday.
A 6-foot-3 forward, Jones has spent her entire WNBA career with the Sun since being selected eighth overall in the 2017 draft. She played a crucial role in Connecticut’s frontcourt, helping lead the team to six consecutive semifinal appearances. Along the way, she earned the 2021 Most Improved Player and 2022 Sixth Player of the Year awards.
After an Achilles injury sidelined her for most of the 2023 season, Jones returned in 2024, averaging 13.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Entering free agency as an unrestricted free agent, she was unable to be retained by the Sun, who had already used their core designation on her in both 2023 and 2024.
Now in Atlanta, Jones will form a formidable frontcourt duo with Griner. She joins a strong core featuring 2022 No. 1 overall pick Rhyne Howard, former lottery selection Allisha Gray, and two-time All-Defensive selection Jordin Canada. Under new head coach Karl Smesko, who replaced Tanisha Wright, the Dream are looking to break through after back-to-back first-round playoff exits.
Connecticut Sun Face Major Roster Overhaul
Jones’ departure marks a significant shift in Connecticut’s roster. Fellow All-Star Alyssa Thomas is set to be traded to the Phoenix Mercury in a blockbuster deal, while two-time WNBA champion DeWanna Bonner may also be on the move. Thomas, a perennial MVP candidate, was a key figure for the Sun, helping lead them to WNBA Finals appearances in 2019 and 2022.
With Jones and Griner now anchoring Atlanta’s frontcourt, the Dream are betting on size and versatility to push them deeper into the playoffs. The franchise has not won a postseason game since 2018.
