Liberty Sign Ex Breanna Stewart Teammate Kennedy Burke

The New York Liberty made their first major acquisition of the WNBA offseason by picking up former Breanna Stewart teammate Kennedy Burke.

It's set to look much different from last year, but the New York Liberty will look to impress on the bench.

The team announced the signing of forward/guard Kennedy Burke on Tuesday on a deal set to bring her back to the WNBA after a one-year absence. 

"Kennedy is a versatile player who will play multiple positions for us," Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb said in a team statement. "Her length, athleticism, skill, and passion have made her one of the very best players in EuroLeague, and she will be an important addition to our group.”

Rich Barnes, USA TODAY SPORTS

Burke has begun to make a name for herself on the international circuit, currently averaging 15.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.2 steals with French club Villeneuve. Coming to the Liberty also presents a reunion with reigning WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart, as the two previously collaborated on a 2021 Commissioner's Cup championship run with the Seattle Storm.

The UCLA alumna's overseas breakout is far from the first hint of a defensive impact, as Burke ended her Westwood career with Pac-12 All-Defensive honors in 2019, shortly before the Dallas Wings made her the 22nd overall pick in the ensuing WNBA Draft, one that saw her moved to Indiana shortly after the selection. 

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Burke is set to play a big role off the Liberty bench, which is somewhat depleted despite retaining every member of their super starting five. Stef Dolson and Jocelyn Willoughby have signed elsewhere while Marine Johannes and Han Xu are likely set to stay with their international teams in preparation for this year's Summer Olympics in Paris. Other reserves currently stationed on the roster include Nyara Sabally, Kayla Thornton, German-born newcomer Leonie Fiebich, and their upcoming first-round pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft.

The Liberty open their 2024 season on May 14 on the road against the Washington Mystics.