All 13 WNBA teams likely made the call to try to sign Emma Meesseman, the 2019 Finals MVP who has had an illustrious basketball career both in the WNBA and overseas. But the defending champion New York Liberty won the sweepstakes, and the Belgian center has officially joined the roster.
The New York Liberty signing Emma Meesseman has 1 negative consequence
The Liberty had to waive Jaylyn Sherrod in order to sign the highly-coveted Belgian star.
Photo by FIBA/FIBA via Getty Images
Noa Dalzell is a senior writer covering the WNBA and all of women’s basketball for Breakaway, SB Nation’s women’s sports vertical, as well as the Celtics for CelticsBlog.
Meesseman, a double-double threat and great outside shooter, was a no-brainer signing, and Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve was open about her team’s pursuit of her. New York securing her addition elevated their championship odds, particularly given the fact that Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones have both battled injuries this season.
But, there’s one downside of adding a new player to the roster in August — it means you have to get rid of one. And, in the Liberty’s case, that’s meant cutting Jaylyn Sherrod, an undrafted guard who has seen limited on-court minutes but has been a key member of the Liberty locker room. The Liberty could have cut someone else — recent signee Stephanie Talbot was an option — but opted to go with Sherrod, who hasn’t played a significant on-court role in New York since joining the team in 2024.
The Liberty part ways with Jaylyn Sherrod
General manager Jonathan Kolb shared a heartfelt message about Sherrod upon the team announcing she’d been cut:
“Jaylyn Sherrod is a champion in every sense of the word. She embodies the passion, grit, and relentlessness that define the city of New York. Her rise from undrafted free agent to WNBA Champion is one of the most remarkable stories I’ve had the good fortune to witness, a testament to perseverance, and a powerful reminder to always push the boundaries and to never give up. Jaylyn, you’ve left New York better than you found it, and your mark here is everlasting. Once a Liberty, always a Liberty. Go be great, Champ!”
In two seasons with New York, Sherrod appeared in 28 games, averaging 1.5 points in 5 minutes per night. Now, she becomes a free agent and will look to sign elsewhere before the end of the season. Before joining the Liberty, Sherrod had a standout career at the University of Colorado, averaging 10.1 points and 4.6 assists.
Emma Meesseman’s addition will undoubtedly benefit the Liberty, giving them additional depth, shooting, and size. But having to part ways with another member of the 2024 championship team is a very difficult downside of the move.
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