Kennedy Burke re-signs with Liberty on one-year…
Kennedy Burke isn’t going anyplace.
On the primary day of the WNBA free company signing period, the Liberty noticed guard Courtney Vandersloot signal a one-year deal with the Chicago Sky, whereas Burke, a restricted free agent, re-signed with New York.
Burke had garnered curiosity from a number of groups over the previous week, together with Connecticut, Los Angeles and Seattle.
New York Liberty ahead Kennedy Burke (2) blocks the shot of Minnesota Lynx ahead Napheesa Collier (24) during the primary half on the Barclays Center on Sept. 15, 2024, in Brooklyn, N.Y. Noah Ok. Murray-NY Post
Ultimately, although, the guard/ahead determined to remain in Brooklyn and help the Liberty defend their 2024 title.
Burke is returning on a one-year, veteran minimal contract, price $78,831, league sources instructed The Post.
She regarded to have an expanded position in 2025 after averaging 12.1 minutes final season.
In a assertion, basic supervisor Jonathan Kolb mentioned the crew is “incredibly excited” to welcome Burke back.
“KB is a vital piece to our roster and culture alike — and building off her success in 2024 — she’s poised to take on a larger role this year and further showcase her versatility,” Kolb mentioned.
The upcoming season will mark Burke’s second with the Liberty and sixth within the league.
In 2024, Burke averaged 3.4 factors and 1.5 rebounds on 40.9 % capturing in her 38 video games.
Kennedy Burke of the New York Liberty shoots in opposition to Natasha Howard of the Dallas Wings during a common season matchup at Barclays Center. Michelle Farsi/New York Post
Her enjoying time dwindled, although, within the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Vandersloot is the second participant whom the Liberty misplaced from their championship roster after the Golden State Valkyries picked up Kayla Thornton within the December growth draft.
Vandersloot’s exit doesn’t come as a shock, contemplating the writing had been on the wall for months that her time with New York was probably coming to an finish.
Vandersloot’s state of affairs in New York, although, soured when she was moved to the bench during the playoffs.
Vandersloot performed solely 18 minutes over the course of the final three video games of the WNBA Finals in opposition to the Minnesota Lynx.
Alanna Smith of the Minnesota Lynx will get round Courtney Vandersloot of the New York Liberty during Game 1 of the 2024 WNBA Finals at Barclays Center. Michelle Farsi/New York Post
Speaking at Unrivaled, Vandersloot made it clear she wished to play for a crew that might worth her talent set and permit her to be the crew’s major ball handler.
She’ll be capable of try this with the Sky, who didn’t prolong a qualifying offer to 2024 start line guard Chennedy Carter.
Vandersloot was in Chicago for the primary 12 years of her profession after the Sky drafted her No. 3 total in 2011.
With Vandersloot and Thornton gone, Burke could have the chance to compete for more enjoying time.
Stay up to date with the most recent trending topics! Visit our web site every day for the freshest Sports information and content material, rigorously curated to keep you knowledgeable.
