Liberty center Jonquel Jones had her doubts about whether the WNBA season would start on time because of the collective bargaining agreement negotiations.
But as for where she would spend this year, there was never a doubt she’d be back in New York.
“There was never a point,” Jones said when asked whether she considered leaving the Liberty this offseason.
Jones was an unrestricted free agent and could have chosen from various destinations. But Jones, the 2024 WNBA Finals MVP, believed in what the Liberty are building so much that she signed a three-year, roughly $3.75 million contract last week.
Jones’ contract aligns with those of stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, who both signed three-year contracts with a floating max value (or a 20 percent cap hit each year).
Jones couldn’t remember the last time she arrived at a WNBA training camp this well rested. She initially planned to play in Turkey this offseason, but she was sidelined after undergoing right ankle surgery in October. She sprained the ankle twice last season, missing a month.
Jones spent most of her offseason back home in the Bahamas, soaking up the sun and enjoying time with family while also staying on top of her rehabilitation.
“I think [it] was also the cherry on top for me,” Jones said of being home. “I’m full go. I’m ready. I’m excited for the season.”
Last season, Jones averaged 15.7 points and 11.3 rebounds in the first six games before she hurt her ankle. She finished the season posting 13.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 31 games.
Two of Jones’ personal goals this season are staying healthy and playing hard.
As for a team goal?
“Obviously another championship. That’s the big thing,” she said. “I think we have a team that we’ve put together and people that are coming back from last year, too, where we can compete at a high level and so we’re still going after that.”
After missing last season recovering from a knee injury, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton said it feels good to be back on the court without restrictions.
“Conditioning-wise, everything is great,” said Laney-Hamilton, a key contributor to the Liberty’s 2024 title run. “I’m still getting used to all of the movement and everything but no pain. … I feel like this is some of the best that I felt overall to getting back out there.”
