The race to stockpile talent in the WNBA is on, and Alanna Smith has found herself in the limelight. The Minnesota Lynx forward is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and a number of analysts see her as a great fit with Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.

However, reporter Madeline Kenney has identified another Eastern Conference team that is apparently eyeing Smith. According to Kenney, the New York Liberty has “expressed interest” in the 2025 co-Defensive Player of the Year.

The acquisition of Alanna Smith would address some pressing needs for the Liberty on the defensive end. Last season, New York was a middle-of-the-pack team in terms of defensive rating, and the team’s shortcomings on that end of the floor ended up costing them wins in both the regular season and the playoffs.

Faced with the daunting task of defending their crown as champions, the Liberty walked into the first round of the 2025 playoffs against a dangerous Phoenix Mercury squad. Equipped with the firepower of Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally, the Mercury gave the Liberty all they could handle and eventually dealt New York an early playoff exit.

The addition of Smith would provide the Liberty more rim protection and rebounding to help the likes of Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones. However, by the same token, Smith would also be a welcome addition to the Fever roster that urgently needs more toughness in the frontcourt that’s banking on Aliyah Boston.

It appears, then, that Alanna Smith has multiple options if she were to decide to leave the Lynx in the coming weeks. Both the Liberty and the Fever would benefit highly if they were to secure her services.

“I’d Be Doing a Disservice to Myself”: Alanna Smith Comments on Exploring Options During Offseason

This week, Alanna Smith returned to her home country of Australia to extend support to her sister Andie, who has signed with the WNBL’s Tasmania Jewels.

Reporters caught up with Smith and brought up the topic of her potential landing spots in the offseason. Smith admitted that considering all the options is definitely worth her time.

“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.”

Eventually, like her sister joining the Jewels, Smith might become a much-talked about news item if she announces her signing with a new team in the coming weeks.