Kennedy Burke isn’t going anywhere.
On the first day of the WNBA free agency signing period, the Liberty saw guard Courtney Vandersloot sign a one-year deal with the Chicago Sky but managed to bring back Burke, a restricted free agent, for the 2025 season.
Burke had garnered interest from several teams over the past week, including Connecticut, Los Angeles and Seattle.
New York Liberty forward Kennedy Burke (2) blocks the shot of Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) during the first half at the Barclays Center on Sept. 15, 2024, in Brooklyn, N.Y. Noah K. Murray-NY PostUltimately, though, the guard/forward decided to stay in Brooklyn and help the Liberty defend their 2024 title.
Burke is returning on a one-year, veteran minimum contract, worth $78,831, league sources told The Post.
She looks to have an expanded role in 2025 after averaging 12.1 minutes last season.
In a statement, general manager Jonathan Kolb said the team is “incredibly excited” to welcome Burke back.
“KB is a vital piece to our roster and culture alike — and building off her success in 2024 — she’s poised to take on a larger role this year and further showcase her versatility,” Kolb said.
The upcoming season will mark Burke’s second with the Liberty and sixth in the league.
In 2024, Burke averaged 3.4 points and 1.5 rebounds on 40.9 percent shooting in her 38 games.
Kennedy Burke of the New York Liberty shoots against Natasha Howard of the Dallas Wings during a regular season matchup at Barclays Center. Michelle Farsi/New York PostHer playing time dwindled, though, in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Vandersloot is the second player whom the Liberty lost from their championship roster after the Golden State Valkyries picked up Kayla Thornton in the December expansion draft.
Vandersloot’s exit doesn’t come as a shock, considering the writing had been on the wall for months that her time with New York was likely coming to an end.
Her situation soured when she was moved to the bench during the playoffs. Vandersloot played only 18 minutes over the course of the last three games of the WNBA Finals against the Minnesota Lynx.
Speaking at Unrivaled, Vandersloot made it clear she wanted to play for a team that would value her skill set and allow her to be the primary ball handler.
Alanna Smith of the Minnesota Lynx gets around Courtney Vandersloot of the New York Liberty during Game 1 of the 2024 WNBA Finals at Barclays Center. Michelle Farsi/New York PostShe’ll be able to do that with the Sky, who didn’t extend a qualifying offer to 2024 starting point guard Chennedy Carter.
Vandersloot was in Chicago for the first 12 years of her career after the Sky drafted her No. 3 overall in 2011.
“Chicago is where it all started for me — it’s home, it’s family, and it’s a point guard’s dream,” Vandersloot said in a statement. “The city, the fans, and the culture here have helped to shape the person I am today. I’m eager to embrace this next chapter, take on the challenge of leading and learning from a really talented young team, and bring my experience back to the place that means so much to me.”
With Vandersloot and Thornton gone, Burke will have the opportunity to compete for more playing time.
In the meantime, other items on Kolb’s docket include finalizing a deal with Breanna Stewart, whom the Liberty designated as a core player.
The Liberty also need to shore up their guard and frontcourt depth.
