Liberty Eyeing Defensive Ace Alanna Smith in Free Agency

The 29-year-old DPOY is open to exploring new opportunities this offseason.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:49pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in shades of blue and orange, conceptually representing the dynamic defensive play of a WNBA basketball game.The Liberty's pursuit of defensive ace Alanna Smith could reshape the team's identity and championship aspirations.NYC Today

The New York Liberty are one of several teams interested in signing free agent Alanna Smith, the reigning co-Defensive Player of the Year. Smith, 29, recently told an Australian reporter that she plans to test the free agency market this offseason, saying 'I'm open to any opportunity' and that 'a lot of teams are looking different this year so I think I'd be doing a disservice to myself if I wasn't exploring other opportunities'.

Why it matters

The Liberty are looking to bolster their roster and make a deep playoff run next season. Adding an elite defensive player like Smith could be a game-changer, as she would provide a strong presence on that end of the floor to complement the team's offensive firepower.

The details

Smith has spent the past four seasons with the Minnesota Lynx, where she has established herself as one of the league's premier defensive stoppers. She was named co-DPOY in 2025 after leading the league in blocks per game. The Liberty are seen as an attractive destination for Smith, as the team is located in her hometown of New York City and has the cap space to offer her a lucrative contract.

  • Smith told an Australian reporter about her free agency plans this week.
  • The 2026 WNBA free agency period begins on June 1.

The players

Alanna Smith

A 29-year-old forward who was named co-Defensive Player of the Year in the WNBA in 2025 while playing for the Minnesota Lynx.

New York Liberty

A WNBA franchise based in New York City that is looking to bolster its roster and make a deep playoff run next season.

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What they’re saying

“I'm open to any opportunity. Like I said, I think it's about best fit, and you know, I loved Minnesota but a lot of teams are looking different this year so I think I'd be doing a disservice to myself if I wasn't exploring other opportunities.”

— Alanna Smith

What’s next

The Liberty will likely make a strong push to sign Smith once free agency begins on June 1. Smith is expected to draw interest from several teams around the league.

The takeaway

The addition of Alanna Smith, a defensive stalwart and former Defensive Player of the Year, could be a game-changer for the New York Liberty as they look to build a championship-contending roster for the 2026 WNBA season.