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Liberty Add Rebecca Allen and Pauline Astier on One-Year Deals to Bolster Bench

The moves signal a pivot to cost-controlled bench depth behind New York's re-signed stars.

Overview

  • New York reached one-year agreements with veteran wing Rebecca Allen and 24-year-old French point guard Pauline Astier to strengthen its reserve unit.
  • Allen returns to the team where she played her first seven WNBA seasons after logging 44 games with Chicago last year and averaging 5.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists.
  • Astier is averaging 10.2 points and 5.6 assists in EuroLeague play with USK Praha, and the Liberty will retain her reserved rights after the 2026 season.
  • Local reporting says Allen’s deal is slightly above the league minimum and Astier signed at the rookie minimum, underscoring New York’s emphasis on short-term depth signings.
  • The additions heighten competition for minutes and, according to the New York Post, raise questions about Rebekah Gardner’s role and reduce the likelihood of a Natasha Cloud return.