Regardless of the new CBA confirmations, the franchises are preparing for the expansion draft and free agency. As the teams prepare their boards for the 2026 season, every player’s performance is analyzed and evaluated to inform the team’s plans.
For the Connecticut Sun, Haley Peters could make things complicated as the player showed her offensive flair in the WNBL. The Wings GM, Curt Miller, highlighted that the teams will lose players in the expansion draft.
Understanding the same, every franchise is looking to secure its top performers. Even though the Sun finished 11th in the 2025 season, the franchise is looking to build on its young core to challenge the elites in the upcoming seasons.
Haley Peters’ Performances Could Impact Connecticut Sun’s Draft Plans
The Connecticut Sun is in a unique situation with the ‘relocation’ possibilities clouding over its 2026 season. As per reports, the Houston Rockets owners are in talks to purchase and relocate the Sun to Texas. However, the side keeping the ‘main task’ upfront is working on its roster.
Ahead of the expansion draft, the sides are preparing their protected players lists. Amid this, Peters showed her offensive capabilities, scoring 21 points and 19 points to lead her WNBL side, Southside Melbourne Flyers, to victories.
Flyers finish the year strong! ✈️
— BASKETBALL NEWS AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺 (@AusBballnews) December 30, 2025
Southside Melbourne Flyers closed out the year with a 19-point road win over the Sydney Flames. 🏀
Cayla George earned Player of the Game honours for her all-round impact, with strong support from Haley Peters, who finished with 21 points, six… pic.twitter.com/csRQq6wksK
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On the WNBA end, two new teams are entering the league, which allows each franchise to protect five players in the expansion draft. Additionally, for Connecticut, four of the protection picks in the expansion draft are Aaliyah Edwards, Leïla Lacan, Aneesah Morrow, and Saniya Rivers. With Marina Mabrey also gelling well with the young core, the side would have to make a choice between the veteran guard and Peters.
Additionally, returning to the league after five seasons, the former Duke player averaged just 2.1 points for the Connecticut Sun in 11 minutes of gameplay. But her recent offensive output could tempt the side to go with the talented forward instead of holding on to the veteran guard.
Haley Peters’ Versatility Is Intriguing
One aspect that put Peters on most franchises’ wish-list is her ability to impact both ends of the floor. She is not only an effective scorer in the paint region, but she can also control the board well. Examining her recent performances in Australia, the player averaged over five rebounds, complemented by a 20-point average.
Haley Peters for three! Connecticut Sun are 7 of 11 from downtown pic.twitter.com/4blTiGbUXy
— Danielle Hobeika (@DanielleHobeika) May 24, 2025
Moreover, the 33-year-old forward is a sound defender, disrupting the opponent’s passing lanes. In her college seasons, the player averaged over 10 points, six rebounds, and a steal. With such an all-around impact, the player could be a valuable asset for any side, even off the bench.
Teams looking for a ‘Swiss-knife’ type player to challenge for the championships or even a deep run in the playoffs, Haley Peters provides a great option for any side.